Milk buns

Use the ‘tangzhong’ method (making a roux-like paste to add to the dough) to give the bread in these milk buns an excellent rise and soft, fluffy texture

Carrot & pineapple cake

Make this budget-friendly tropical cake with canned or fresh pineapple. If you’re using fresh, decorate with pineapple ‘flowers’ for the wow factor

Veg peel fritters

Make veg peelings the star of the show with these easy fritters. They’re perfect the day after a big family dinner, such as at Christmas time

Air-fryer lemon drizzle cake

Ever tried your air-fryer for baking? While it’s not ideal for perfectly even cakes, it’s great for a fuss-free loaf cake, like this lemon drizzle

German apple cake

Use your favourite eating apples to bake this traditional German apple cake. Enjoy it with afternoon tea or take to a coffee morning

Pear & yogurt spelt cake

Make this cake with spelt flour – rich in fibre, it works well in bakes, providing nuttiness and subtle sweetness. Serve warm after a Sunday roast

Golden spiced pilaf with crispy shallots

Combine crispy shallots, warming spices, crunchy nuts and soft fruits to make this stunning pilaf. Serve alone with yogurt, or alongside veg, meat or fish

Tomato & oregano fritters

Use up a glut of tomatoes to make these veggie fritters – they’re ideal for lunch or a light dinner. Serve with dill and Greek yogurt, if you like

Financiers

Treat family and friends to these miniature French almond cakes for afternoon tea, or take along to a coffee morning. Browning the butter adds extra nuttiness

Gingerbread tres leches cake

Give this Mexican-inspired cake a festive twist using ginger and cinnamon. The cake is soaked in a trio of sweetened milks, then topped with whipped cream

Air-fryer mince pies

Save energy and effort and make these mince pies with the help of an air fryer. Keep replenishing your cake tin with a batch over the festive period

Frosted pinecone cake

Create this stunning bake for the Christmas table. Decorated with almond pinecones, it’s a perfect centrepiece if you aren’t a fan of traditional fruitcake