Makes 24Ingredients8 egg whites 300ml (1/2 pint) water475g (1lb 1oz) caster sugar1 lemon150g (51/2oz) strawberries100ml (31/2fl oz) double creamMethodWhip the egg whites until they form soft peaks. Cook 150ml (1/4 pint) of the water and 400g (14oz) of the sugar until it reaches 1...

Serves 2–4Ingredients1 onion, peeled and chopped2 tbsp olive oilA knob of butter8 ripe tomatoes, peeled, deseeded and cut in quarters200g (7oz) spaghetti50g (13/4oz) butter Mini sausages, cookedGrated Parmesan cheeseSalt and pepper, to tastePlastic spiders, to serveMethodFirst, m...

Serves 6You will need a flat-bottomed cake tin, around 22cm diameter. An ovenproof frying pan also works well.Ingredients4 eating apples125g butter100g golden caster sugar300g puff pastryCrème fraiche, to serveMethodPreheat the oven to 200°C/ 390°F/Gas 6. Peel the apples and cut ...

This is my mother’s excellent Christmas pudding that’s based upon the British royal family’s sumptuous recipe. Like all Christmas puddings, it’s best made a month or so before the big day, as the taste improves as it matures. Makes 2, each serving 8

Makes 20 Chocolate TrufflesIngredientsFor the truffles:50g (13/4oz) unsalted butter at room temperature75g (23/4oz) light brown soft sugar150ml (5fl oz) double cream175g (6oz) dark chocolateFor the toppings:150g (51/2oz) milk or dark chocolate, chopped chocolate or rainbow sprink...

Serves 6Ingredients1 tbsp chopped garlic 2 tbsp plus 1 tsp olive oil, separated 700ml (11/4 p int) low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken stock 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tsp water 2 tsp cornflour 60g (2oz) cauliflower purée 1 tsp chopped parsley (optional) 2 large egg whites...

Makes 14 crêpesIngredientsFor the pancakes200g (7oz) plain flourA pinch of salt2 eggs300ml (11fl oz) milkCorn oil for fryingFor the béchamel50g (13/4oz) butter2 tbsp flour800ml (28fl oz) milk1 bay leaf1/2 tsp ground nutmegFor the filling200g (7oz) button mushrooms,stalks removed ...

pies along with other traditions. Thankfully, King Charles II reintroduced them when he succeeded the throne. This modern-day recipe tastes better if made the day before. Makes 24 mini mince pies Ingredients100g (31/2oz) unsalted butter, chilled150g (51

Count Dracula may have been created by Bram Stoker in 1897, but many believe he was based on Vlad the Impaler, who existed four centuries earlier. He was originally from Transylvania (now Romania and Hungary). Like Dracula, goulash hails from eastern Europe. It was first made in ...

Ingredients1 Extra Large Vanilla Sponge1 quantity ButtercreamRed food colouring pasteWhite chocolate rainbow buttonsRed liquorice strips Red writing icing tube Assorted sweets and sprinklesEquipment1 x 1.3-litre and 1 x 1-litre pudding basin, greased and dusted with flourMethodPr...