California Scrambled Eggs

California Scrambled Eggs

20 Minutes
2 Servings

This brunch dish is a wonderful taste of the Californian sunshine. So quick to put together, it contains all the ingredients for a meal that makes you feel healthy and satisfied. The mix of protein and good fats will keep you fuller for longer too – what a win!

Pancakes

Pancakes

20 Minutes
4 Servings

This is a great recipe to have on standby for a quick weekend treat that all the family will love. Over the year my kids have eaten a lot of pancakes - sometime they prefer the American style pancakes but at the moment, their favourite is these thin crepes. They go really well with a drizzle of maple syrup, classic sugar and lemon or a spoon of Nutella. Just be prepared to be asked to make these every weekend from now on!

Smashed Avocado and Poached Egg on Sourdough

Smashed Avocado and Poached Egg on Sourdough

15 Minutes
2 Servings

This classic brunch dish appears on café menus up and down the country, and for good reason. Perfectly poached eggs on top of creamy avocado make it feel both indulgent and healthy at the same time. Avocados are easy to find, but timing is key - eat them when they’re perfectly ripe, as they can quickly turn brown if left too long.

Croque Monsieur

Croque Monsieur

25 Minutes
2 Servings

If you’re after an indulgent brunch, this Croque Monsieur is hard to beat. Crispy sourdough, smoky ham and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce - it’s comfort food at its best. Just don’t call it a cheese and ham toastie!

Mediterranean Bulgur Bowl

Mediterranean Bulgur Bowl

20 Minutes
2 Servings

This fresh and tempting dish is loosely inspired by a Middle Eastern tabbouleh. It’s one we come back to time and time again - light, vibrant and packed with flavour thanks to the zesty vinaigrette. Enjoy it as a satisfying lunch on its own, or serve it as part of a picnic, mezze spread or BBQ side.

Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Salad

Quinoa & Roasted Vegetable Salad

40 Minutes
2 Servings

This healthy lunch might take a little longer to prepare, but it’s well worth the effort. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, and when combined with a rich, tangy dressing and light quinoa, it creates a perfectly balanced meal. If you're heading into the office, this is an ideal make-ahead lunch you can prep the night before - trust us, your co-workers will be jealous.

Spanish Omelette

Spanish Omelette

50 Minutes
4 Servings

A Spanish omelette - or tortilla española if you want to be authentic about it - is one of those deceptively simple dishes that requires a little patience to get right. It's been a staple of our family picnics for years. So much so that it became the designated dish I'd instruct my sister to make - which, more often than not, resulted in a dramatically burnt bottom! The secret, as it turns out, is to cook the omelette low and slow. Rush it and the eggs overcook. Give it time and you get that perfectly set omelette with a beautiful golden crust.

Tomato Soup

Tomato Soup

40 Minutes
4 Servings

Tomato soup is a great meal to make in summer, when tomatoes are in season and full of natural sweetness. It’s a family favourite that’s generally loved by kids, and makes a quick, healthy option for the weekend. Just be sure to have plenty of crusty bread and butter on hand for dipping!

Tuna and Bean Salad

Tuna and Bean Salad

15 Minutes
2 Servings

If you're after an easy, tasty lunch that’s packed with protein, this one’s for you. Eggs and tuna are two of the most affordable protein sources, and when combined with beans, feta and fresh salad in a tangy dressing, it makes the perfect summertime meal. Ideal for a workday lunch or a weekend picnic, this versatile dish is ready in under 15 minutes—winner!

Baked Boursin Pasta

Baked Boursin Pasta

35 Minutes
4 Servings

If you've seen baked Boursin pasta all over social media and wondered whether it actually lives up to the hype - it absolutely does. This meal is almost too good to be true, you literally throw everything in a dish, pop it in the oven, cook some pasta and mix it all together. That's it. The Boursin melts into the burst cherry tomatoes and roasted veg to create the creamiest, most indulgent sauce with practically zero effort. It's become a family favourite for the cheese-loving members of our household and i'm never going to complain about making a meal this easy!

Beef Burgers

Beef Burgers

30 Minutes
4 Servings

If you're looking for a dinner that everyone will love, you can’t go wrong with beef burgers. The ingredients are simple, and everyone can add their own toppings to suit their taste—favourites here include fried onions, melted cheese, tomato and lettuce (not forgetting the burger sauce). They taste great cooked in a frying pan or under the grill, but nothing beats cooking them on the BBQ!

Caprese Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich

Caprese Chicken Ciabatta Sandwich

30 Minutes
2 Servings

This meal is a real winner for families, who doesn’t love breaded chicken on a sandwich? Mixed together with Caprese flavours for a taste of Italy, this meal will no doubt be on your weekly rotation.

Chicken and Leek Pie

Chicken and Leek Pie

60 Minutes
4 Servings

If you’re after a proper comfort meal that the whole family will enjoy, this chicken and leek pie is always a winner. This is my son's all time favourite meal, I even ended up making it tonight when it was 22° outside and everyone else was eating BBQ! It’s perfect for a cosy Sunday dinner, and it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken too. Serve it with crispy roast potatoes and veg or keep it simple with mash - either way, it’s one of those meals everyone will happily tuck into.

Chicken Chow Mein

Chicken Chow Mein

30 Minutes
4 Servings

No takeaway order is complete without a Chicken Chow Mein! Soft noodles and a tasty sauce make it the most ordered Chinese takeaway dish and it’s usually a hit with children too. This version is super quick and easy to make at home and will probably be ready a lot quicker than a takeaway could be delivered! It’s a really good way to get some veg onto the families plates and the quick cooking time ensures that the ingredients retain more vitamins.

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken Fajitas

30 Minutes
4 Servings

Fajitas are one of those meals that end up on our weekly meal plan more often than I like to admit. They're so tasty and quick to make, and bonus, the kids love them. For me, the ultimate family meal should be budget friendly, quick to make and enjoyed by everyone - if I've nailed that, you better believe I'm making it every week! This version of the tex-mex classic uses chicken breast, peppers and onions along with a mild spice mix so the flavours usually work for the whole family. You can always add some extra chilli flakes if you prefer a little bit more heat. I usually serve these with a bowl of grated cheese, sour cream, salsa and guacamole for everyone to help themselves.

Chicken on Crispy Noodles

Chicken on Crispy Noodles

30 Minutes
2 Servings

This is a regular in our house for good reason. Crispy noodles, tender chicken and a deeply savoury sauce come together in a quick, easy dish that feels a little bit special - perfect for busy evenings when you still want something everyone will love.

Chicken Roast Dinner

Chicken Roast Dinner

105 Minutes
4 Servings

This classic roast chicken dinner is a real favourite in our house - we make it most weeks, and it’s guaranteed to go down well with the whole family. This version keeps things simple and stress-free, with crispy roast potatoes, tender chicken, sweet carrots and creamy mashed sweet potato. It’s both comforting and nutritious. Adding lemon and garlic to the chicken gives it extra flavour and helps create a really tasty gravy using the pan juices. Serve with our homemade Yorkshires for the perfect Sunday dinner.

Chicken Thai Red Curry

Chicken Thai Red Curry

30 Minutes
4 Servings

This Chicken Thai Red Curry is one of our favourite weekend meals, it's quick, flavoursome and tastes like such a treat! My version uses a great hack for the creamiest coconut milk - a block of creamed coconut. I came across this by accident while searching for a tin of coconut milk that didn't contain additives, only to discover that the majority do. All you need is a block of creamed coconut mixed with hot water and voilà - homemade coconut milk, with no nasty ingredients.

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala

50 Minutes
4 Servings

Chicken Tikka Masala is the ultimate comfort food and one of the UK’s favourite dishes. It’s a great option for a Saturday night when you have a bit more time, as the preparation is slightly more involved - but trust us, the end result is well worth the effort. Roasting the chicken in the oven adds extra depth of flavour and gives it that authentic feel. The mild, creamy sauce makes this a dish everyone will enjoy - even the kids. Serve with fluffy naan breads or poppadoms for a cosy fakeaway you’ll want to make again and again.

Chilli Con Carne

Chilli Con Carne

30 Minutes
4 Servings

If you’re after a reliable, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavour, this chilli con carne is a great one to have on repeat. It’s hearty, filling and made with simple ingredients you’ll likely already have in the cupboard. It’s also super easy to make and will be on the table in 30 minutes. This version is kept mild, making it ideal for kids, but still packed with enough flavour to keep everyone happy. It’s the kind of meal that works just as well for a quick midweek dinner as it does for batch cooking and leftovers.

Classic Mac and Cheese

Classic Mac and Cheese

45 Minutes
2 Servings

If you’ve had a tough day and are looking for a hug on a plate, this is the meal for you. This classic mac and cheese is a quick, easy and comforting midweek favourite that you’ll want to make again and again. It also works perfectly as an indulgent side dish alongside BBQ meats, slow-cooked pork or meatloaf.

Cottage Pie

Cottage Pie

60 Minutes
4 Servings

I absolutely love a cottage pie; it's comforting and really simple to make, which makes it perfect for midweek. It's also universally loved and is a great way to get some extra veg onto the family's plates (think mixing some sweet potato with the mash or adding extra carrots and peas to the mince). As usual, my two teens can never agree on anything – my youngest hates mash so she has the mince in Yorkshire puddings instead, with veg and gravy on the side.

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

30 Minutes
2 Servings

If you’re after a quick, flavour-packed dinner, this creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a great one to have up your sleeve. The rich, creamy sauce combined with gentle Cajun spice makes it a comforting meal that’s full of flavour without being overpowering. Linguine works particularly well with this sauce, but you can use any pasta shape you have to hand.

Easy Chicken, Chorizo and Prawn Paella

Easy Chicken, Chorizo and Prawn Paella

50 Minutes
4 Servings

Some recipes are just food. And then there are the ones that take you somewhere. This paella is the latter, one mouthful and I'm instantly transported to a sun-drenched terrace in Spain, cold drink in hand, not a care in the world. It's also the dish my Dad would make for family get-togethers. He absolutely loved going on holiday and this was his speciality meal. The whole house would smell incredible, everyone would gather around, and the wine and laughter were always flowing. Perfect!

Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas

Jerk Chicken with Rice and Peas

45 Minutes
2 Servings

I still remember the first time I tried proper jerk chicken - not from a restaurant, but from a food truck at a huge outdoor food truck venue in Orlando, Florida. The place was packed with trucks serving food from all over the world, and the smell of jerk spices drifted across the whole venue. One bite of that spicy, tender chicken with creamy rice and peas and I was hooked, it's a food memory that I regularly try to recreate at home and makes for a perfect Saturday night fakeaway. This homestyle version brings that same holiday, street food feeling straight into your kitchen. A homemade jerk marinade - packed with allspice, ginger, cinnamon, chilli and a splash of rum - gets blitzed into a paste and rubbed into slashed chicken breasts, so every bite is infused with flavour. It bakes low and slow until soft with a beautifully spiced crust, served on a bed of creamy coconut rice and peas.

Lasagne

Lasagne

70 Minutes
4 Servings

Lasagne is the ultimate comfort food and a firm family favourite. While it takes a little more time to prepare, the end result is always worth it - layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel and soft pasta come together to create a dish everyone will love. Perfect for a cosy weekend dinner and even better the next day, it’s also ideal for a dinner party or family gathering. The quantities can easily be doubled too, making it a great option for batch cooking.

Marry Me Chicken

Marry Me Chicken

25 Minutes
2 Servings

If you’re looking for a chicken dinner that feels a little bit special without the extra effort, Marry Me Chicken is one to try. The name comes from the idea that the meal is so delicious, it could prompt a marriage proposal. And to be honest, I'd have to agree with that statement. The meal is super simple to prepare and packs a huge amount of flavour and richness into the sauce.

Moussaka

Moussaka

90 Minutes
4 Servings

There are some dishes that don't just taste good - they transport you somewhere. Moussaka is one of those dishes for me. One mouthful and I'm instantly back in the Greek Islands, lazy summer evenings, warm air, and a traditional taverna. The kind of holiday meal you eat slowly, with good company and a cold glass of something refreshing alongside. It's the dish I always order without thinking and always finish completely.

Salt and Pepper Chicken

Salt and Pepper Chicken

30 Minutes
4 Servings

Salt and pepper chicken is always up there on the favourite takeaway orders of all time but deep-fried chicken probably isn't the best choice if you are being health conscious! This homemade version packs all of the flavour and is perfect served with egg fried rice.

Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry

Slow Cooker Coconut Chicken Curry

240 Minutes
4 Servings

There's nothing better on a cooler autumn evening than coming home to a curry that's been quietly bubbling away all day. This one's my slow cooker take on the sort of curry we order every single time we eat out - rich, gently spiced rather than fiery, and finished with a big handful of fresh coriander. What makes this curry different from your usual jarred korma or tikka masala is the mustard seeds and curry leaves fried off at the start - they give it a distinctive South Indian flavour that's warm and fragrant rather than hot. Creamed coconut and a spoonful of ground almonds melt into the sauce as it cooks, so by the end you've got something rich and glossy without needing double cream anywhere near it.

Spaghetti Bolognese

Spaghetti Bolognese

30 Minutes
4 Servings

This is the ultimate midweek meal for good reason: it's cheap to make, easy to tailor to your tastes (swapping beef mince for turkey mince) and great for using up leftover bits of veg from the fridge too. I usually serve this with some homemade garlic bread for a satisfying meal that's on the table in under 30 minutes.

Spicy Chicken Wraps

Spicy Chicken Wraps

30 Minutes
4 Servings

To say my daughter is obsessed with this meal would be an understatement. Sweet and spicy peri-peri seasoning pairs perfectly with salty halloumi and cool sour cream - it’s definitely not just for kids! This is a quick, easy and popular midweek meal that’s simple to throw together. Serve with spicy rice, chips or corn for a fuss-free dinner everyone will enjoy.

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells

45 Minutes
4 Servings

Some recipes just feel like a hug on a plate, and spinach and ricotta stuffed pasta shells is exactly that - comfort food at it's finest! Giant conchiglioni shells filled with a creamy, herby ricotta and spinach mixture, with a rich homemade tomato sauce and topped with golden bubbling mozzarella. It looks like something you'd order in an Italian restaurant but it's completely achievable at home and well worth every minute. This is also a brilliant vegetarian option that doesn't feel like you're missing anything - it's hearty, satisfying and full of flavour. Whether you're cooking for a family weeknight dinner or want something a little more special for the weekend, this one always delivers.

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Sweet and Sour Chicken

30 Minutes
4 Servings

If you love Chinese takeaway flavours, this easy sweet and sour chicken is a great recipe to make at home. Crispy golden chicken is coated in a sticky sweet and tangy sauce with peppers, onion and pineapple for the perfect balance of flavour. Served with fluffy basmati rice, this simple 30-minute meal is ideal for busy weeknights and makes a delicious family dinner for four. Once you try this homemade version, it may become a regular on your weekly meal plan.

Teriyaki Salmon and Rice

Teriyaki Salmon and Rice

20 Minutes
4 Servings

This teriyaki salmon and rice is perfect for a quick, healthy midweek meal. The teriyaki marinade is simple to make, and the finished dish looks fresh and vibrant. The sweet sauce is always a hit with kids, and the omega-rich salmon makes it a great option after a long day at school - this is one the whole family will enjoy.

Toad in the Hole

Toad in the Hole

45 Minutes
4 Servings

Is there anything more comforting than Toad in the Hole? We don't think so. This is one of our ultimate comfort food meals and a real family favourite in our house, it's the kind of dinner that gets everyone excited when they hear it's on the menu. It works just as well as a quick midweek meal as it does for a lazy Sunday lunch, which makes it one of those recipes that earns its place in your regular rotation all year round.

Vegetable Paella

Vegetable Paella

45 Minutes
4 Servings

I started making this Vegetable Paella as a meat-free variation of our Chicken and Chorizo and Prawn Paella and I have to admit, it's completely won me over. The artichoke hearts are the real star of the show here, they've got this really unique flavour and a meaty, chunky texture that means you genuinely don't miss the chorizo or chicken you'd normally find in a paella. This one's a bit more layered than a basic storecupboard paella. The leek and bay leaves bring a gentle sweetness, the wine adds depth before the stock even goes in, and that scattering of toasted almonds at the end gives you a proper bit of crunch against the soft rice. Bomba or calasparra rice is worth seeking out if you can, it holds its bite in a way regular risotto rice just can't.

Apple and Berry Crumble

Apple and Berry Crumble

45 Minutes
4 Servings

Apple and berry crumble is comfort food at it's finest, we don't eat a huge amount of desserts as a family as I prefer fruit based and my partner prefers chocolate but this is one that we can all agree on - especially with a large scoop of vanilla ice cream on top! You can use any type of apple for this recipe, if you are using a sweeter eating apple, just reduce the amount of sugar that you add to the fruit.

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

45 Minutes
8 Servings

I'm the only one in this house who actually eats bananas. They go in the fruit bowl full of good intentions, get forgotten, and end up sitting there going speckled and soft while everyone else pretends they don't exist. But turn those same bananas into cake form? Suddenly the kids can't get enough. This is my rescue mission bake - a properly moist, buttery banana loaf with a whole banana laid on top before it goes in the oven, so it bakes right into the crust and caramelises as it goes. It's finished with a simple water icing, but made with unrefined icing sugar instead of the usual white stuff, which gives it a warm, faintly caramel tone instead of a stark white drizzle.

Eton Mess

Eton Mess

20 Minutes
4 Servings

Eton Mess has got to be the ultimate British summer dessert. It evokes garden parties and Wimbledon matches and is basically strawberries and cream with a posh twist - what's not to love? Even better, this dessert looks and sounds far more impressive than it actually is to make. I've used shop-bought meringues here to keep things simple, but you can always make your own if you have the time and inclination. The homemade raspberry coulis is the element that really elevates this, it cuts through the richness of the cream and adds a beautiful splash of colour that makes this a real show-stopping dessert.

Old School Chocolate Cake

Old School Chocolate Cake

40 Minutes
16 Servings

There are certain foods that transport you straight back to childhood the moment you eat them. This chocolate cake is one of those. For me it's pure primary school nostalgia - standing in the dinner queue with your white plastic tray, the ones with separate compartments for your main, your dessert and your drink. And the dessert was almost always some kind of tray bake. Soft sponge, thick icing, chocolate sprinkles on top - comforting and completely delicious.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges

15 Minutes
4 Servings

I started making these sweet potato wedges when I was trying to eat a little more fibre, now they have become my go-to side dish. In my opinion, these air fryer sweet potato wedges are genuinely better than regular chips. The natural sweetness of the potato caramelises in the air fryer, the spiced seasoning adds warmth and depth. I actually prefer them now - and I say that as someone who makes roast potatoes every week.

Cauliflower & Broccoli Cheese

Cauliflower & Broccoli Cheese

45 Minutes
4 Servings

Some recipes are just food, and some are pure comfort. Cauliflower cheese is firmly in the comfort food category for me. It was one of my Dad's specialities, along with his crispy roast potatoes - and the smell of a bubbling cheese sauce still takes me straight back to Sunday lunches at home.

Garlic Butter Corn

Garlic Butter Corn

10 Minutes
4 Servings

If you've always cooked corn on the cob in boiling water and called it a day, this recipe is about to change everything. Corn on the BBQ is an entirely different experience - the heat caramelises the natural sugars in the kernels, giving you a slight char and a depth of flavour that boiled corn simply can't match. Add a generous coating of garlicky herb butter and you've got one of the best side dishes you'll ever serve at a BBQ. Simple ingredients, minimal effort and the kind of thing that disappears off the plate before anything else.

Garlic Flatbreads

Garlic Flatbreads

15 Minutes
4 Servings

The best things in life are often the simplest - and these garlic flatbreads are proof of that. Four ingredients, no yeast, no proving, no waiting around. Just mix, roll, cook and eat. They're soft and fluffy in the middle and the melted butter brushed over at the end is the finishing touch that makes them completely irresistible.

Greek Salad

Greek Salad

10 Minutes
4 Servings

Some dishes have the power to transport you somewhere wonderful the moment you eat them. This Greek salad is one of those dishes for me. It instantly takes me back to a boat trip around the Greek island of Rhodes, pulling up at a secluded beach, sitting in the sunshine with grilled lamb, a big bowl of Greek salad and a large glass of retsina. One of those perfect holiday moments you never forget.

Roast Potatoes

Roast Potatoes

60 Minutes
4 Servings

In our house, roast potatoes are not optional. They are non-negotiable. My kids would happily eat them with every meal, and my eldest usually does. We have roast potatoes with everything!

Slow Cooked BBQ Ribs

Slow Cooked BBQ Ribs

240 Minutes
4 Servings

Forget burgers and sausages, these slow-cooked ribs are the real star of any BBQ. These delicious ribs have become our signature BBQ recipe - tender meat, a sticky caramelised glaze and a marinade with a secret ingredient that people can never quite put their finger on. That secret? Mango kombucha.

Yorkshire Puddings

Yorkshire Puddings

30 Minutes
6 Servings

Yorkshire puddings are a must-have with any roast in our house. This easy recipe delivers golden, crispy Yorkshires that are light in the middle and perfect for soaking up plenty of gravy - and they’re much simpler to make than you might think. H4: Can You Use Self-Raising Flour for Yorkshire Puddings?

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