Baking

The malty, bitter flavour of stout is a match made in heaven with chocolate. This full-flavoured ale is also great in hearty stews and pies, or in place of wine in a classic French onion soup.

The work is minimal but the pay-off is huge for this much-loved fruity classic

These cheery, easy-to-make Easter shortbread biscuits are coated in coloured white chocolate and scattered with mini eggs, perfect for little helpers to decorate with you

Cottage cheese – that dieting classic of the 1970s – is having an in-the-spotlight moment, going viral on social media with influencers who are using it in everything from flatbreads to spreading it on toast. Here it makes a batch of gluten-free brownies super moist and rich

All the squidge of a brownie but bursting with lemony freshness instead, these make a great elevenses treat on a bright spring morning. Use a good-quality lemon curd with plenty of tang and don’t overmix it through the batter – the little pools of lemon curd taste heavenly when you bite into them.

These lovebug cookies are the perfect edible craft for cooking with kids. or making for your Valentine

A sophisticated take on the classic combo of chocolate and orange. Dip half in white chocolate and half in dark chocolate, if you like.

These easy-peasy pies use ready-rolled shortcrust pastry and a tub of cheese sauce as savvy shortcuts.