Sugar-dusted vanilla shortbread

Great for keeping the biscuit tin topped up over Christmas, these sweet shortbread thins make a perfect treat

Indian bread with courgettes & coriander

This bread is called thepla in India and is best served hot with lightly salted plain yogurt, or cold with mango chutney

Sweet & spicy nuts

Roast almonds, Brazil nuts and cashews with spiced flavours then pack up into bags as a homemade gift

Cheesy leek & spinach pasta

Comfort food at its best – penne with a blue cheese and tomato cream sauce with added vegetables

Caramelised onion & feta pizzas

This quick, vegetarian pizza has a tomato-free topping but plenty of cheese and contrasting sweet onion

Griddled pear & blue cheese salad

Contrast sweet grilled fruit with salty robust blue cheese and a honey vinaigrette in this stylish salad

Gooseberry jam

Use up a seasonal glut of fruit in a tasty homemade preserve – store it for months or present it as a gift in a rustic hamper

Crunchy fruit & nut cereal

Start the day with a filling and healthy mix of puffed rice, oats, fruit and nuts

Griddled aubergines with sesame dressing

Dress chargrilled aubergine with tahini, garlic, coriander and yoghurt for a versatile veggie side dish that you can cook on the hob or bbq

Spicy bean & corn dip

Turn the storecupboard staples of tinned sweetcorn, kidney beans and mixed beans into something special