A hearty, nourishing chicken, bacon and pearl barley soup packed with vegetables and inspired by my German grandmother, Omma. Rich in protein and fibre, it's a wonderfully comforting family recipe for colder days, with a little story behind it.

A childhood favourite from my German heritage, watercress soup (Wasserkressesuppe) was something my mum used to make for us four perpetually hungry children. She would bring a huge tureen of soup to the table alongside fresh French bread and butter, and we' would devour the lot. Despite being made from very simple ingredients, it's surprisingly filling and incredibly nutritious. Watercress is often described as a superfood and is packed with vitamins A, C and K, along with an

Traditional Northern German potato salad with creamy mayonnaise, pickled cucumber and new potatoes. Perfect for picnics and summer meals.