This zingy dish is a celebration of the season, so use whichever herbs look freshest I like parsley, mint and dill.

These sticky, sweet, melt-in-the-mouth ribs make a thrifty meal. Try to keep them as an occasional treat as I use full-sugar cola to add a punch of flavour.

This is my version of my dad's chicken curry which was itself a replica of a Chinese takeaway dish. It's a great way to feed a crowd.

You can use your own homemade bread in this updated version of a classic Mrs Beeton dessert or just cheat with a bought loaf.

This sweet and spicy Thai coconut soup makes a great lunch add leftover chicken if you have some, but I often do without.

Liver is cheap, lean, nutrient-rich and quick to cook. Children may not find that argument compelling, but batter the livers and deep-fry them, and you should win out.

Don't be scared of choux pastry - it's really easy. But it's bound to impress your Valentine, especially sandwiched with cream and slathered in chocolate.

The humble kidney bean makes a great base for this deeply satisfying soup and dumpling combo.

The worlds first crisp sandwich shop has opened in Belfast. If you cant go yourself, heres a fun recipe for a hot, crunchy homemade potato crisp sarnie.

If the kids prefer white bread, just sneak in a bit more wholemeal each time until your loaf is 50/50 they'll never notice the difference.

I wanted to start my own Christmas traditions, and these tasty edible decorations are what I chose to begin with.The past few Christmases had been all over the place for my little family, and 2013 was the first year I felt able to establish my ...

This sweet, fatty, carb-laden treat is a satisying, occasional comfort on a winter's day. Just don't eat it every day!I had my first lardy cake earlier this year, from a petrol station with a surprising array of baked goods, and the fatty, soft, sweet...

 I have an anarchic view of risotto - this one uses pearl barley instead of rice for a nutty flavour and interesting textureMy mum used to do a great mushroom and tomato risotto in a big, square electric pan, with long-grain rice and tinned tomatoes....

This Halloween, try these pumpkin scones instead of the ubiquitous pie. They are sweet enough to eat with butter and savoury enough to pile with cheeseI missed out on the fun of Halloween as a child, growing up in a household with strict Christian sensibilities...

Pink hummus is perfect for parties, and homemade flatbreads beat packets of pitta every timeI first made this hummus for a fourth birthday party. As much as I rail against gender norms in most aspects of my life, the smallest girl in our household is...

Don't save this pretty spice for mulled wine - try it in a delicious ice-cream, perfect for warm autumn daysStar anise is not just for Christmas - I got an enormous bag of it recently from my friend Sarah, who gives cooking lessons on the ...

Pitta bread makes a cheap and fuss-free base for these onion and anchovy tarts, which are perfect picnic fareThis is a play on the traditional French pissaladière, an onion and anchovy tart usually made with puff pastry. I cheat a bit and turn them...

This delicious summer salad is a great way to use up leftover bread and tomatoes. Add orange slices for a fruity twistI love panzanella's thrifty nature. It is an ideal use for stale bread, which softens as it soaks up the juices from the tomatoes ...

This Brazilian stew should be made with pigs' snouts, ears and trotters - but don't worry, you can use bacon and sausage insteadFeijoada typically uses offal, so if you're keen on offcuts and have a good butcher, ask for the snouts, ears and trotters...

Zesty chicken and cool, minty yoghurt - what could be better on a hot summer's day?I don't write many meat recipes, as free range is largely outside the realms of budget cooking, so it's an occasional treat. This deliciously zesty recipe makes the most...