Fruity flapjacks

Flapjacks make a great breakfast if you’re in a hurry, and the best thing about them is that you can put whatever fruit you like in them.

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Garlic and rosemary focaccia

Focaccia is my favourite type of Italian bread. I's not too hard to make and you can take it in loads of different directions by changing the toppings. I've gone for good old garlic and rosemary here but you could try combos like cherry tomatoes and basil or three cheese. Just keep it light and you'll be onto a winner.

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Jacket potato with smoked salmon and sour cream

You might think that smoked salmon is too posh for a jacket potato, but trust me, it's a match made in heaven.

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Mini jackets with beetroot and cottage cheese

If you don’t fancy a big baked potato, then try baking some new potatoes instead – lovely as a veg dish to go with meat or fish and perfect for a barbecue.

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Baked sweet potato with chilli, mozzarella and basil

Sweet potatoes are lovely roasted, as the juices caramelise slightly where you prick the skin. They won’t look much from the outside, but when you split them open the flesh will be a vibrant orange and so tasty.

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Summer tray-baked salmon

This is one of those great dishes that you can really make your own by using whatever vegetables are in season.

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Salmon baked in a foil parcel with green beans and pesto

This is so simple to put together – a portion of salmon, a handful of green beans, a dollop of good-quality pesto and a little squeeze of lemon juice. Such a great combination.

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Everyday crispy chicken with sweet tomatoes

This recipe takes just minutes to put together, and gives you beautifully crisp skin as well as sticky, tender meat that should just fall away from the bone.

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Stewed fruit crumble

Stewed fruit is the perfect base for a lovely home-made crumble. The crumble topping takes just minutes to prepare, then you let the whole thing bubble away in the oven until the top is all crunchy and delicious.

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Chocolate brownies

The real trick with these brownies is to make sure you don’t overcook them as you want them to be all soft and squidgy inside.

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Lemon butter biscuits

These lovely light biscuits are really easy to make and taste delicious.

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Sausage rolls

Once you’ve had a home-made sausage roll, you’ll never want to eat a shop-bought one again.

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Pizza margherita with different toppings

When it comes to topping a pizza, the only thing you need to remember is: less is more. Keep your combinations simple and don’t overload it with toppings.

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Basic bread

You can’t beat the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen! Baking your own loaf is such a rewarding, therapeutic, tactile thing and you'll be so proud of yourself once you've cracked it.

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Lasagne

The secret to a meaty lasagne lies in the Bolognese sauce – get that right and you'll be laughing. This dish is a bit of a treat, so don't eat it too often and make sure you serve it with a lovely big green salad.

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Butternut squash and sweet leek lasagne

Butternut squash and leeks make a lovely veggie filling for lasagne, and to be honest, this one is so delicious meat eaters will love it too.

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Baked French potatoes

This is my take on a classic French recipe. It's a great dish; once it’s assembled you just leave it in the oven while you get on with other jobs.

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Shepherd's pie

Shepherd’s pie is a classic British dish which pretty much everyone I’ve ever met has their own way of making. This is my way which I’ve kept really simple and I reckon you can’t go wrong with it.

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Vegetarian shepherd's pie with Cheddar and lentils

Lentils are a great alternative to mince when making a shepherd’s pie. A little bit of cheese bumps up your protein intake and also adds a great bit of extra flavour.

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Lamb stew with lovely dumplings

Dumplings are one of those things that should be on everyone’s radar come winter time. They’re so comforting and really easy to make – give them a try.

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Fish pie

You can use whatever fish you like in this pie, making it as luxurious as you want it to be. If you like your fish pie to be creamy, feel free to add a few tablespoons of crème fraîche to the fish.

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Apple pie

Obviously apple pie is one of the all-time classic desserts. The best apple pies I've ever made are from apples bought at farmers' markets where you can pick up lots of different varieties.

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Good old bread and butter pudding

Bread and butter pudding is one of those old English recipes that everyone loves. The addition of marmalade brushed over the bread makes it fantastically crisp, with a zingy orangey bitterness that just makes the whole thing superb. Try not to overcook it because you want to have the soft insides contrasting with the crispiness on top.

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Baked apples

This is an absolutely classic dessert – it's so simple, and a great way to use up cooking apples.

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Classic Victoria sponge with all the trimmings

This is a classic cake recipe that is perfect for birthdays, special occasions or simply for afternoon tea.

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Tea-party fairy cakes

These fairy cakes are made using a simple sponge recipe, but then you can take the basic cakes in so many different ways by making a variety of icings and toppings.

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Butternut cupcakes with a frosty top

You might think I’m mad using butternut squash to make cakes, but it’s really just like using carrots as the two vegetables are very similar – I've simply swapped carrots for squash. The skin of a butternut squash goes deliciously chewy and soft when cooked, so there's no need to peel it off. Give these cakes a go – they're a perfect naughty-but-nice treat.

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