What makes a good Hot Cross Bun and how can you bake one yourself? A guide to this seasonal British treat and a traditional recipe.

Sloe gin isn’t just for Winter. Try this twist on a classic, a Slow Sling. It’ll cool you down as the temperatures rise.

Mocha stout and chocolate chip muffins with an oozy salted caramel centre, drizzled with lime and ginger icing.

Hidden veg in these spiced, moist, healthy muffins is butternut squash

This versatile kale pesto can be stirred into pasta, slathered on bruschetta or paired with crudites. More ways to eat your kale.

Nestled in tissue paper as a festive gift or on the Christmas dinner table for pudding haters, try homemade chocolate truffles this season.

Iranian-style sweet and sour olives swathed in pomegranate molasses, walnuts, garlic and herbs.

Rich, creamy, spicy, tomaoey – this easy to make lasagne (especially if you use a power blender) will satisfy veggies & meat-eaters.

No refined sugar just the sweetness of raw honey and banana in these easy to make pear and ginger flapjacks

Fresh cherries buried inside a nutty wholesome muffin. Low-gluten and a variation makes them vegan too.

So easy to make. Preserved lemons will liven up tagines, casseroles, fish, chicken, potatoes and even drinks

Piedmontese peppers. A simple vegetarian starter or side dish – just add crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices

Creamy, thick, vanilla custard – simple to make in the microwave.

A hearty vegetarian soup made with vegetables from the farmers market.

Vegetarian mushroom pate made with chestnut mushrooms, creme fraiche, thyme & orange.

Sticky ginger cake with lemongrass icing

Lamb meatballs flavoured with mint and sesame. Drizzle with tahini.

A simple summer starter. A pint of fresh, cooked prawns with classic Marie Rose sauce for dipping.

Middle Eastern comfort food with layers of rice, potato all melded together with a tomato sauce.

Buckwheat blinis with labneh and dill.

Traditional Irish soda bread – have a tasty loaf ready in just over an hour.

Baking with a clean slate to start the year – rosemary and date syrup bread.