Corn chowder with garlic croûtons

Warming, tasty, filling – just ideal when friends or family pop round unannounced

Cottage pie

This great-value family favourite freezes beautifully and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser

Roast lamb with spring herb crumbs

This iron-rich dish is ideal for a weekend with family and friends

Very chocolatey cake

An indulgent chocolate cake that kids can make for a friend's birthday or as a family treat

Quick sticky toffee puddings

Discover a shameless shortcut to this family favourite pud

Crispy Mongolian lamb

Braise lamb breast with aromatics then grill until crisp and serve with noodles for a cheap but chic meal for two

Homemade marzipan thins

Sweet treats for friends and family

Summer salad with anchovy dressing

A filling main-meal salad bursting with fresh veg – just leave out the anchovies for a veggie version

Pecan & maple syrup sticky pudding

The perfect family desert

Coconut, syrup & lime tart

A delightfully indulgent dessert that you can make ahead – a perfect way to round off a special meal

Pasta pesto salad

Enjoy this veggie pesto pasta salad with cucumber, peas, cherry tomatoes and basil for an easy family meal. It's great for a packed lunch or summery picnic

Koofteh sabzi

Iranian recipe from Ariana Bundy, TV chef and author of Pomegranates and Roses: My Persian family recipes (Simon & Schuster UK) and Sweet Alternative (Conran-Octopus UK).