Beef & lentil cottage pie with cauliflower & potato topping

Try a new topping for your comforting bake by adding cauliflower and a little cheddar cheese – there’ll be some leftover for a second meal, too

Easy pesto lasagne

This vegetarian bake from reader Lucy Nanor is packed with spinach and peas along with creamy pesto and mascarpone sauce

Herby chicken & butter bean soup

This rustic, chunky soup uses up leftover roast chicken and is packed with flavour from fresh rosemary, sage and thyme

Violet creams

Try wooing someone with this romantic dessert based on the classic chocolate treats. Add crystallised roses and violets for a pretty finish

Thai prawn & peanut noodle soup

Try this punchy aromatic broth that’s packed with Asian spice and fresh flavours – top with nuts and chilli to your liking

Sussex puddle pudding

This twist on a classic steamed pud has a sweet sponge topping with a puddle of sticky lemon sauce underneath. Finish with a splash of cream

Clementine & honey couscous

Pistachios, clementines, honey and cinnamon make couscous a perfect breakfast dish. Serve with fruit and yogurt

Five-spice, soy & lemon roast chicken

Try a roast with a difference – Chinese five-spice, citrus and ginger add warmth to the rich soy and hoisin sauce-based gravy

Hidden heart cake

Slice into this delicious loaf cake and reveal the secret heart design running through the middle – a really romantic bake!

Eggless chocolate & beetroot blitz & bake cake

Healthier than your average chocolate cake, this rich and dark bake is lighter on the calorie count

Lighter apple & pear pie

Try a low fat version of this family favourite. Filo pastry is light and crispy, and bulk out the filling with pears

Chocolate gingerbread brownie bars with fudgy icing

These luxurious bars are based on a classic flourless cake, so they're rich and light in equal measure