I’m A Hearing Specialist — These Are The Earwax Colours You Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on 01/03/2025 by Boris Clair

It turns out our bodily fluids and waxes can actually tell us a lot about our overall health. Yes, once you overcome the ‘ick’ that these juices give you, they can be very helpful.

In fact, Hannah Samuels, an in-house audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, urges that as more people are becoming aware of their ear health, it’s essential that we learn exactly what our earwax colours mean.

I’m all ears. (Sorry.)

What does the colour of your earwax mean?

Yellow or light brown

If you have noticed that your earwax is yellow or light brown, then good news: you’re likely doing well. Samuels explains that this “typically indicates healthy earwax production” as fresh earwax is often lighter in colour.

Dark brown

If it’s actually a little darker, this can indicate that the earwax has been in the ear for a while and has dried out. Samuels assures that this is still considered normal though it could be a sign that the wax has been exposed to dust or debris.

Black

Black earwax can result from old, dried-up earwax, especially if it’s been in the ear for a long time. It can also occur if there’s been frequent exposure to earwax buildup or irritation. In some cases, it could indicate a fungal or bacterial infection.

Green

If your earwax is green and accompanied by symptoms such as pain, itching or discharge, you may have an ear infection. Samuels says: “The colour comes from the presence of bacteria, or sometimes, the discharge from an infection.”

Red or bloody

This can be a sign of irritation or injury to the ear canal. It might happen if you accidentally scratch or injure the ear while cleaning it, or it could be due to an infection. Samuels urges that if the bleeding persists, it’s best to see a doctor.

Orange

A reddish-orange or orange earwax is usually a mixture of fresh and old earwax. Samuels says: “It can be typical for individuals with a natural combination of oils and earwax in the ear.”

Clear

Clear earwax is less common, but it can occur. It is usually associated with watery or fluid-like earwax which might indicate that the ear is trying to flush out an irritant or infection.

“Whilst colour is an important factor, other things can be good indicators of your hearing health, and help ensure you are protecting your hearing, and lowering your risk of hearing loss,” Samuels shares.

Signs of healthy earwax

If you are sill concerned about your overall ear health, Samuels shares some signs of healthy earwax:

Texture: “Earwax that’s healthy is usually soft and slightly sticky, which helps it trap dust, debris, and microbes to protect the ear canal. It is not too dry, crumbly, or hard.”

Odour: “Healthy earwax doesn’t have a strong smell. It might have a faint, neutral odour. If you notice a foul smell, it could indicate an infection, ear canal irritation, or the presence of bacteria.”

Discomfort: “Your earwax shouldn’t cause discomfort. If you’re not experiencing pain, itching, or a feeling of fullness in the ear, it’s a good sign that your earwax is at a normal, healthy level.”

Movement: “Your ear has a self-cleaning mechanism that pushes earwax out of the ear canal over time. Healthy earwax is usually not something you need to remove manually unless it’s excessive or causing problems. The natural process moves earwax to the outer ear where it dries up and flakes off.”

No unusual build-up: “Earwax should not cause a blockage or excessive buildup. If earwax accumulates excessively and leads to partial or full blockage, it might need attention. Sometimes, earwax buildup can cause hearing loss, which is rare in individuals with a healthy earwax production process.”

Samuels concludes that as long as you aren’t experiencing symptoms like itching, pain, hearing loss, or a persistent change in earwax colour or texture, your earwax is “likely healthy”.

“If you’re concerned about any changes in your earwax or have one of the causes of concern about ear wax colours, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately,” she adds.

I’m An Influencer. This Is The Dark Side Of My Job I Wish More People Knew About

Posted on 01/03/2025 by Boris Clair

It’s easy to scroll through TikTok or Instagram and see your favorite influencers sharing glamorous updates, whether that’s opening free gifts, walking red carpets or traveling.

At first glance, it looks like influencers are living their dream life ― and, in a way, they are. They have access and opportunities the general population doesn’t normally get, simply because of their follower count. But on the other hand, social media is a glorified highlight reel, and it does come with dark sides — even for people whose job is to be on social media.

According to a 2023 Morning Consult survey of 1,000 Gen Zers, 57% of them wanted to be influencers. That statistic is a clear example of how this career path is becoming more popular among young adults and the general population. But there are a few downsides you should know first.

To get the lowdown, we spoke to influencers about the dark sides of influencing they wish more people knew about. Here’s what they had to say:

Being an influencer is time consuming

Most jobs feel long and draining, whether you’re working a nine-to-five in an office or scheduled for a 12-hour shift at a clinic. When it comes to being an influencer, although the hours might not be predetermined, the time put in is still the same ― and sometimes even more.

“Being a content creator involves tons of editing, concept development and collaboration with brands,” said Savannah Vinson, a New York City-based influencer with almost 200,000 followers on TikTok. “For instance, a simple voiceover can take me six hours, not including the time spent filming or editing. It’s not always glamorous, even though people often think it is.”

Aside from creating the content itself, there’s also a lot of back and forth that goes on between brands before filming and posting take place. For example, for Vinson, time is spent coordinating visits and planning transportation to different locations in New York City and beyond to capture the content itself.

Not to mention the fact that social media makes us feel like we always have to be “on.” The same holds true for influencers ― you’re never truly unplugged from your job, making the actual working hours much longer than you think.

Social media can be fake

Aside from being time-consuming, Vinson told HuffPost that social media can be incredibly disingenuous.

“Everything looks polished, but behind the scenes, it’s all about angles, lighting and editing,” she said. “I try to show the full experience, but you can’t always trust what you see online. It’s important to follow your gut and remember that things aren’t always as perfect as they may seem.”

On social media, most people post their happiness and successes. Think about what you personally post; chances are you’re not constantly sharing about your conflict with your partner or the criticism from your boss at work. You’re also likely not uploading a photo you feel is unflattering. The reality is that there’s often a lack of vulnerability and truth about the full spectrum of your life, and that can be draining.

“I try to show the full experience, but you can’t always trust what you see online. It’s important to follow your gut and remember that things aren’t always as perfect as they may seem.”

– Savannah Vinson

Influencing can be detrimental to your mental health.

Peter Petrella, an Orlando-based influencer with 85,000 followers on TikTok, told HuffPost it can be hard to navigate strangers’ opinions and mean comments ― and that can take a toll on your overall mental health.

“Speaking online means that you’re speaking to millions. It’s safe to say that no matter what you say, there’s going to be someone that doesn’t agree or doesn’t like what you have to say ― and some people can be not so nice,” he said.

Petrella noted that he had to learn to not let the comments section discourage him and post regardless of what people think.

“Being able to stay true to your own integrity while not letting those that disagree get in your head is a learned mindset that becomes essential when you take the path of becoming an influencer,” he said.

You can’t control the algorithm — and that can affect your success

Although an influencer might have a lot of followers, that doesn’t necessarily mean every video they post is going to perform well.

“Sometimes, most random things go well, and something you thought was going to go viral does not perform as you wish,” said Karina Achaeva, a New York City-based influencer with more than 950,000 followers on TikTok. “It’s truly impossible to control the algorithm most of the time.”

This can be hard for influencers because this is the main way they get followers, but it also can be hard from a business perspective. This is because brands they work with have certain expectations when it comes to engagement (likes, comments, views and more) ― and your income can rely on that engagement. When the algorithm doesn’t surface your content, it can be challenging to meet those goals.

At the end of the day, influencing does come with a lot of perks: it can be lucrative, a way to make your own schedule and there’s obviously the potential for internet fame. But there are still some challenges, similar to any profession. Just remember that everything you see on your feed isn’t always reality.

UK Gardeners Advised To Do These 6 Tasks In March

Posted on 28/02/2025 by Boris Clair

When I texted my partner, “You won’t believe what I’ve just seen!” this morning, I think he figured I’d witnessed a crime.

Nope ― it’s just that my 7:45 return from the gym was bathed in real, blue-skied sunlight. That felt unthinkable even two weeks ago.

This sign of life sounds the first death knell for February, to which I say, good riddance. Spring is on its way; intrepid blossoms take their first floral gasps of above-0° air, and the garden begins to return to its verdant glory.

Of course, all this comes with a downside (or upside, depending on your perspective). Don your dormant gloves, gardeners ― we’re back to work!

Here are the tasks experts advise finishing in March:

1) Plant and sow

Now’s the time to plant everything from summer-flowering bulbs to new roses to shrubs, climbers, and wildflower seeds.

You can also sow onions and shallots, alongside other hardy veg like cabbage, lettuce, early potatoes, broad beans, radish, and cauliflower.

2) Prune roses

For the most bountiful display in spring and summer, it’s important to prune roses and climbers early on in the month ― dogwoods and willows will benefit from a harsher cut-back now too.

3) Weed, even if the weeds don’t look all that damaging

We’ve written before about how tackling perennial weeds before summer hits is key, even if they don’t look like they’re doing much harm.

They’ve growing thick, hard-to-remove roots at the moment; lift them and their roots from the ground as soon as you can to save yourself a horticultural headache later.

4) Get ahead of slug infestations

Slugs and snails seem to wake up the second your prized veggies do (funny, that).

Try biological controls or alternatives to keep their numbers in check ahead of spring.

5) Check for aphids too

Tender new stems don’t stand much of a chance against swarms of spring aphids. Manually remove them before the problem goes out of control.

6) Deadhead spring flowers

We were all excited when the first daffodils puffed their yellow chests up, but it’s important to deadhead those who have since wilted.

That’ll ensure an equally resplendent show next year, especially if you feed the bulbs with tomato feed.

Mary Berry’s No-Bake Banoffee Pie Recipe Is So Simple That I’ll Never Make It Another Way

Posted on 27/02/2025 by Boris Clair

Sometimes, you get hit with a very specific craving. For a while there, I had a hankering for sour cream and chive pretzels. No idea why — it’s not like they’re something that I have often.

Now, though, now I am craving the delectable, moreish joys of a banoffee pie. Sweet, soft, and with a lovely silky finish to it… I actually can’t think of anything I want more in this moment.

Thankfully, I don’t need to wait too long to tuck into this coveted dessert as the cake queen herself Mary Berry has a banoffee pie recipe that is so simple that it doesn’t even require baking.

Marry Berry’s banoffee pie recipe

As featured on her BBC One series Classic Mary Berry, this recipe requires:

around 10 digestive biscuits
butter
muscovado sugar
condensed milk
vanilla extract
double cream
bananas
dark chocolate or cocoa powder

Additionally, she advises, if you’d like to make a salted caramel version, you only need a teaspoon of sea salt. Yum.

The base can be made up to a day in advance and to make it, Mary advises doing the following: “Crush the biscuits to fine crumbs and melt the butter over a low heat.

“Pour both into a bowl and mix to combine. Spoon into the base of the tin and press down with the back of a spoon until level. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes

The banana and cream should be made on the day and left for around an hour to set in the fridge.

The toffee is the only really tricky part of the recipe, requiring precision and focus. For that, you heat butter and sugar together and stir over a low heat until combined. Then you add the condensed milk and bring to the boil, stirring for a few minutes.

However, if you over-boil it, it will become grainy and more like fudge, which is not the vibe.

If you’re also ready to treat yourself to this delicious pie, you can view the full recipe here.

‘You’ll Never Forget Just One Shoe!’: Flight Attendant’s Trick To Stop Losing Things On Holiday

Posted on 27/02/2025 by Boris Clair

Visiting Paris gave me a greater appreciation for reliable public transport, a really well-made coffee and stunning European architecture.

In return, I gave Paris a brand-new pair of ankle boots, a book, and an unread copy of Cosmopolitan magazine. What can I say? I never really was that great at gift-giving.

Seriously though, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left behind something important when travelling and it is really starting to frustrate me. RIP to those boots, several scarves in New York and the strappy top I swanned around Berlin in.

I do take some comfort in knowing that I’m not alone. According to the holiday experts at eShores, 80% of people lose, forget or have something stolen when they go on holiday.

Thankfully, a flight attendant shared her secret to never losing important items abroad

In a TikTok video, a British Airways flight attendant revealed that she has a slightly strange technique for ensuring that she never loses anything particularly important – like documents, purses, passports, etc., – abroad again and honestly… she’s on to something.

The flight attendant, Zoe, says in the video: “When I have my passports or anything valuable, when I put them in the safe, what I always do is, I always put one of my crew shoes in the safe because I would never forget anything I’ve put in there.”

Many people in the comments agreed with her, with one adding: “I always put my belt and tie in the safe! Will never forget anything I hope!”

Zoe also helpfully assured that even as a cabin crew member, she has also lost things abroad and that’s actually what resulted in a colleague telling her this handy tip.

She added: “You’ll never forget just one shoe!”

Here’s hoping.

I’m An ADHD Assessor — These 2 Signs In Adults Show It’s ‘Not Just Disorganisation’

Posted on 26/02/2025 by Boris Clair

We’ve recently written at HuffPost UK about how to spot the signs of autism in adult women and young girls.

Autism diagnoses in the UK have risen; alongside that, more and more adults have received treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Still, ADHD UK says over 80% of cases go undiagnosed. That’s partly because, a 2014 paper says, people often get treated for conditions associated with ADHD (like oppositional defiance disorder and depression), but not ADHD itself.

Additionally, ADHD “was, until recently, erroneously perceived as only present in young people, with little or no impact later in life,” according to a review of literature on the topic, despite persisting into adulthood in roughly a third to two-thirds of cases.

So, we reached out to Dr Mikki Lee Elembaby, a Manhattan-based psychologist from Clarity Therapy NYC, who specialises in autism and ADHD assessment, to find out how to tell “regular” disorganisation from ADHD in adults.

What are the signs?

It can be hard to draw a distinction between non-clinical disorganisation and ADHD, the expert told HuffPost UK, “because disorganisation can look different for different people and manifest differently in various areas of life”.

It may affect how tidy people’s homes are, how focused they can stay in conversation, how well they can stick to routines, and how often they lose things.

But two signs that distinguish one from the other, the psychologist told us, are:

1. Intensity

“One key sign to look for is the level of disorganisation,” Dr Elembaby advised.

“If it’s chronic and pervasive, meaning it persists despite your best efforts and significantly impacts your work, relationships, or daily life, it could be a sign of ADHD.”

2. Accompanying symptoms

Signs of ADHD may appear in disorganised people, the expert told us, but ADHD is “a pattern of persistent struggles with attention, impulse control, and self-regulation across multiple areas of life”.

That means it involves a series of concurrent symptoms, including:

Difficulty focusing or staying on task
Impulsivity (acting without thinking)
Poor time management
Forgetfulness
Hyperactivity.

“To meet the clinical criteria for ADHD, these symptoms must show up in multiple settings, like work, school, and home, and have been present before age 12 (even if they weren’t obvious at the time, especially in girls),” Dr Elembaby said.

What if I think I have ADHD?

The assessor says it’s time to speak to an expert if “your attentional challenges are negatively impacting your quality of life and if you are experiencing a pattern of difficulties with organisation and time management, attention and focus, impulse control, emotional regulation, or work, school, or home responsibilities”.

The NHS says your GP might refer you for an assessment if they think you have ADHD.

The health service adds that while ADHD diagnosis is trickier for adults because not all professionals agree on what counts as an adult case, they say that sometimes “an adult may be diagnosed with ADHD if they have 5 or more of the symptoms of inattentiveness, or 5 or more of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, listed in diagnostic criteria for children with ADHD”.

Why Is Mars Red? Scientists May Have Just Found The Answer

Posted on 26/02/2025 by Boris Clair

Did you know scientists weren’t sure why pee is yellow until 2024?

Yup ― they had some idea the hue came from a substance called urobilin, but had no clue how that colour-enhancing acid ended up in our urine.

It seems Mars is another such chromatic case. Until recently, scientists had theories which would explain the planet’s rust-red hue ― they thought a dry, powdery substance called hematite coated our neighbours’ surface.

But a paper published in Nature Communications yesterday suggests that the iron oxide mineral isn’t actually responsible for Mars’ scarlet haze.

So… why is Mars really red?

It’s still down to iron-based sources, researchers from Brown University and the University of Bernsuggest ― that would explain its rusty look.

But they think that ferrihydrite, rather than hematite, could be the main mineral.

That matters because it implies the climate on Mars is more wet, and potentially more habitable, than previously thought, NASA says.

Unlike hematite, ferrihydrite (catch the “hydr-” in its name) needs cool water to form.

It also needs a lower temperature than the one which researchers previously thought was present on Mars.

Dr Adam Valantinas, the study’s lead author, said: “The fundamental question of why Mars is red has been considered for hundreds if not for thousands of years.”

And while they’re not the first team to suggest that ferrihydrite might be to blame, they can “better test this using observational data and novel laboratory methods” than their predecessors.

“These new findings point to a potentially habitable past on Mars,” Dr Geronimo Villanueva, the study’s co-author, shared.

Does that mean there was definitely water, and maybe life, on Mars?

No. The researchers only think ferrihydrite is why Mars is red, and though they used very advanced technology to observe and model the planet’s surface, it’s still unproven.

“What’s even more important… is the return of the samples from Mars that are being collected right now by the Perseverance rover,” Dr Jack Mustard, co-author of the study, said.

“When we get those back, we can actually check and see if this is right.”

I Visited Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse And Learned The Iconic Stout Isn’t Actually Black

Posted on 24/02/2025 by Boris Clair

Guinness is having a renaissance right now in the UK. We’ve drunk our supply dry in recent months, you can’t have a pint in peace without being challenged to ‘split the G’ (getting half-way down the logo in one gulp) and there is now such a thing as ‘Guinn-fluencers’. Kim Kardashian, Paul Mescal and even the Royals have been spotted drinking a pint of the good stuff in 2024.

Talking of the drink’s surge in popularity in 2024, Diageo (who own Guinness) said: “This year, Guinness has continued to build on its legacy as a brand that celebrates quality, creativity, and connection. Its popularity has grown as part of a broader strategy that leverages its rich heritage while embracing fresh opportunities.”

Well, it’s certainly working.

Naturally, when Diageo asked if I wanted to come and visit Dublin to see where the pint of the moment is made at The Guinness Storehouse, it was the easiest yes I’ve had in a while – because where better to go than when Scotland has run out of Guinness than the home of it.

The Guinness Storehouse is a seriously jam-packed affair – it contains seven floors of sights, sounds and sensations in a building that has been brewing beer for over 250 years. Fortunately, it’s not going to stop anytime soon as Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease on the building all the way back in 1759, which you can see for yourself at the very start of the 90 minute self-guided tour.

The experience has welcomed a whopping 25 million visitors through its doors since 2000 (with 1.65 million visitors in 2024) and takes you on an immersive experience from grain to glass (with pints of the good stuff along the way).

We first learnt everything there is to know about how Guinness is brewed and were knocked for six at the fact that it… isn’t black.

Yup, its colour primarily comes from the roasted barley. When barley grains are roasted, they develop a deep, dark hue, which then gets transferred to the beer during brewing. And though we often perceive Guinness as being black, under light, you can see that it has a ruby-red tint.

The next stage is a gallery of iconic Guinness advertisements that have become pillars of Irish culture throughout the globe, followed by a guided tasting (can confirm, I like Guinness).

If you’re feeling peckish (or suddenly feel the need to reline your stomach), there are also several eateries dotted across the seven floors – unsurprisingly, Guinness is a key factor in the ingredients list. Since its opening, the Storehouse has seen 39,000 Oysters shucked, 58,000 slices of Guinness brown bread served and 32,000 Guinness & beef stews sold in 2024.

I skipped learning how to pour a pint of Guinness (in a bid to avoid painful flashbacks to my student bartending days) – but know a perfect pour is not easily achieved. The pouring process SHOULD take approximately 119.5 seconds, something the bartenders of the rooftop bar of the Storehouse have down to a fine art (no shock given that they served over 1.5 million pints of Guinness and Guinness 0.0 in 2024).

The best bit? Your pint with the best views of Dublin comes with your entrance ticket.

For those who want to learn even more on their visit, book onto the new ’Home Of Guinness Tour’ – a fully guided journey through the seven floors of the Guinness Storehouse, learning to pour your own pint in our Guinness Academy along the way, and finishing your tour with a pint of Guinness or Guinness 0.0 at the Gravity bar.

It’s no wonder that The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin’s most popular tourist attraction.

This year, the Guinness Storehouse is set to write a bold new chapter in its extraordinary journey, through Alive in 25, an exciting year-long campaign that sets to celebrate even more cultural events and community initiatives in honour of the Storehouse’s 25th anniversary. Be the first to know about upcoming events and experiences at the Guinness Storehouse in 2025. Follow @homeofguinness #Alivein25 and visit www.guinness-storehouse.com.

For A Long Life, This 1 Sleeping Habit Matters Most (And It’s Not How Long You Sleep For)

Posted on 23/02/2025 by Boris Clair

I’m not trying to stress you out here, as stress can impact your sleep, but as we age, it’s essential that we really get our sleeping habits in check. This is because how we sleep can impact how we age.

For example, experts recommend that adults go to bed no later than 1am, regardless of their circadian rhythms, to ensure healthy ageing.

Additionally, poor sleep habits can make your brain age faster.

So, yes, it is all a little intimidating because what are adults if not perpetually tired?

There is a simple change you can implement which will make a significant difference

According to a new study published in the aptly-named journal Sleep, having a regular sleeping pattern of going to bed and getting up at the same time every day is a stronger predictor of your mortality risk overall than sleep duration.

The research found that even people who consistently get 7–8 hours – but who had irregular sleep schedules – each night are at a higher risk of strokes, heart attacks and even cancer than those who slept less but had a consistent schedule.

Those with the most consistent sleeping patterns had up to 48% lower risks of all-cause mortality compared to those with the least consistent routines.

The experts at BBC Science Focus warn: “Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean you can get away with sleeping only four hours a night just by sticking to a regular 3am bedtime – getting enough (but not too much) sleep still matters.

“In the study, those getting under six hours or over nine each night were at an increased risk of mortality. However, although sleep duration was still important, the link between mortality and regular sleep patterns was stronger and more consistent.”

How to get a more consistent sleeping pattern

The sleep experts at The Sleep Foundation advise: “Try to follow the same steps each night before going to bed, such as dimming the lights, quietly reading or stretching, putting on pyjamas, and brushing your teeth.

“Over time, those actions become cues that tell your body that it is time for sleep. To promote mental tranquility, incorporate relaxation methods such as meditation, yoga, listening to soothing music, or reading.”

I Tried Nigella Lawson’s Secret To The Best Scones, And I’m Never Going Back

Posted on 23/02/2025 by Boris Clair

Based on how strict I am about my carrot cake, brownie, and rocky road recipes, you’d be forgiven for thinking I’m against learning new tricks.

But that’s not the case! I recently found out that freezing cookie dough before cooking can help achieve that gooey, tall finish I love; I’ve adapted a chef’s habit of cooling spuds before roasting them.

I’ve even changed how I prep my American pancakes on the advice of pros.

So, of course I was willing to listen to Nigella Lawson herself when it came to scones.

Not only does the chef replace regular milk with buttermilk (a tenderising trick I grew up with in Ireland), but she uses a clever combination of fats and adds leavener-boosting ingredients too.

Having tried it, I’ve been amazed at what a difference they’ve made; they’re more tender, fluffier, taller, and more delicious than I’ve ever cooked prior.

A pitiful rubbery puck of a scone from the writer before Nigella's advice on the left: layered, golden, taller scones on thr right following the chef's tips — A pitiful rubbery puck of a scone from the writer before Nigella’s advice on the left: layered, golden, taller scones on thr right following the chef’s tips

What are Nigella’s secrets to the best scones?

The TV presenter and chef adds as much cream of tartar as she does bicarbonate of soda to her scone mix.

This, combined with the acidity of the buttermilk, leads to a steep, rapid rise ― key for fluffy and tender scones.

Additionally, most people who have tried making scones will tell you that it’s very hard to keep butter cold enough to do the job.

Like puff pastry, the fat needs to be kept as solid as possible during mixing to create flaky pockets of delicious dough.

Nigella’s suggestion is easy and elegant ― she mixes two parts butter to one part vegetable shortening, which is solid at room temperature.

She “chops” the butter before adding it to the flour, too, ensuring the warmth of your fingers has less time to melt the butter when rubbing it in.

All of those changes turned my previously hockey puck-like, rubbery creations into proud, tall, tender delights.

The writer's scones in a baking tray on the left; on a plate on the right — The writer’s scones in a baking tray on the left; on a plate on the right

Can I sub out these ingredients if I don’t have them?

I’ve been surprised by how hard buttermilk can be to find in the UK, but luckily, you can make your own by simply adding a little lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for up to 10 minutes.

Don’t be tempted to replace this part ― it’s key to the scone’s fluffiness.

If you don’t have vegetable shortening, Nigella’s team says lard is the next-best substitute.

But again, the chef adds the product for a reason; “Vegetable shortening gives the scones and also pastry a flaky texture which butter cannot replicate,” her site reads.

Having tried her adjustments, I regret to inform you that she’s completely right.

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