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.

This easy cheese and red onion soda bread combines wholemeal spelt, kefir and mixed seeds with cheddar and thyme. No yeast or proving required; serve it warm with soup or a little butter.

Fresh, crunchy, spicy and sharp, this Thai papaya salad is one of those dishes that instantly wakes everything up. I first fell in love with it alongside Pad Krapow in Thailand, where every street vendor seemed to have their own version. Traditionally, Som Tum Thai is made with palm sugar, but I use maple syrup instead. It gives the same gentle sweetness and balance without needing specialist ingredients, making it much easier for everyday cooking at home. The key ingredient

I absolutely love pickles. They bring a little je ne sais quoi to everyday meals - fresh, tangy, crunchy, and just enough sharpness to lift anything from salmon to salads to sandwiches. These quick fridge pickles are simple, flexible and endlessly adaptable. Once you know the base, you can pickle almost any crunchy veg you have in the fridge. The Base Pickling Brine This makes enough for 2–3 small jars: 1 tsp sugar ½ tsp sea salt 250 ml distilled malt vinegar 250ml boiling wa

Crispy pan-fried sea bass served with a fresh Mediterranean tomato salad. A light, protein-rich meal packed with flavour, healthy fats and colourful vegetables.

Tender baked cod served with asparagus and spinach in a simple garlic butter sauce. A quick, nourishing meal packed with protein, healthy fats and flavour.