Hearty warming dishes which make the most of the best seasonal veg

They were hidden between bouquets of parsley and coriander on the green grocer’s display. Fat bunches of true spinach so fresh they s…

A sumptuous spicy warming veggie stew

Put 150g of brown basmati rice into a small to medium saucepan, cover with warm water, then gently agitate the rice with your hand until the water is cloudy; pour…

The fresh flavours of rhubarb and zesty blood orange light up dark February days

As children, we would always play in each other’s gardens. At the bottom of which, somewhere between the compost heap a…

A sharp, zesty salad served with streaky bacon

This is a really useful herb-speckled mayonnaise, to toss with crunchy raw veg for a quick lunch or to serve as an accompaniment.

Place 4 rashers of smoke…

Spiced aubergine and sweet rhubarb are two superb warming delicacies of the winter season

I have made many a dinner from a good rummage in the fridge. This time, a couple of less-than-perfect aubergin…

A spicy, fruity recipe for a cold winter’s day

A sweet and warming pudding for a very cold day.

Line the base of a 20cm square cake tin with a piece of baking parchment. Heat the oven to 160C/gas mark …

It’s time to celebrate celery with a soothing soup, and a nice potato pancake to go with it

Most of the soup I make is in an effort to deal with my over-enthusiasm at the shops, a need to tidy up a ve…

An all-time favourite with a toffee-style twist

Peel and thickly slice 2 large bananas.

In a dry pan, toast 2 tbsp of flaked almonds over a moderate heat until golden, then set aside.

Smoky, sweet and fragrant pork dishes to warm up winter

A winter’s evening and the kitchen is at its most hospitable. A glowing light from the glass door of the oven, the smell of something slow-cooke…

A piqant and delicious luxury fruit salad, to serve either as a dessert or for breakfast

A warm compote of cranberries with slices of orange – this makes a light and refreshing dessert, but would be j…