Fill light choux pastry with a creamy vanilla custard and Greek yogurt filling then finish with fresh fruit for a lower-sugar valentines dessert. Ingredients: For the choux pastry 50g butter 75g plain flour 2 large eggs 1 tbsp flaked almonds (optional) For the filling...

This supper is for two, so push the boat out on a prime cut of beef- great for a romantic night in. Ingredients: 3 large red-skinned potato, peeled and cut into large cubes 2 tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle extra 1 garlic clove, minced Small bunch flat-leaf parsley,...

This creamy, vegetarian soup is a great way to use up leftover chestnuts, or use freshly roasted chestnuts for a more intense flavour, why not use as starter for your Christmas Dinner. Ingredients: ½ tbsp olive oil, plus a drizzle to serve 1 large onion, finely...

Ingredients: 1kg cooking apples, peeled and chopped into small chunks 500g eating apple, peeled and chopped into large chunks 450g onion, sliced 50g fresh root ginger, finely chopped 1 tsp peppercorns 500g granulated sugar 250ml cider vinegar 500g cranberry  ...

These little bite size jaffa cake treats are scrumptious….but are they a cake or a biscuit?   Ingredients: 2 Free Range Eggs 50g White caster sugar 50g Plain white flour sieved 23g Jelly sachet 75g Dark chocolate chips   Method: Make the jelly upp according...

Something sweet this month for you Guinness Lovers to try out... Ingredients: 100g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 75g dark chocolate (70% cocoa solids) 200ml Guiness, plus extra for the icing 200g plain flour 20g cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 2 large...

Chicken drumsticks with a bit of sweetness and spice.  Ingredients: 1 tablespoon honey 5 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce 12 chicken drumsticks, skin removed   Method: In a large bowl, mix together the honey, sweet chilli sauce and soy...

INGREDIENTS 400ml cloudy apple juice 200ml vodka juice 2 lemons 750ml Prosecco ice 1 green apple,  cored and finely sliced 1 lemon sliced Method Pour the apple juice, vodka and lemon juice into a punch bowl and chill for 1-2 hrs. When you’re ready to serve add the...

I can still recall my mother’s horror when, aged 17, I declared, over breakfast, my intention to turn her home into a restaurant. This was not a one off occurrence – but was invariably fuelled by my vivid imagination, my father’s spirit of bon viveur not to mention a...