Autumn/Winter

The traditional Italian sweet and sour sauce, agrodolce, from The Food of Love Cookery School caught Mum’s eye and, in the absence of rabbit, she has used chicken and it’s perfect.

If you're looking for a winter warmer, this is the dish for you! Combining creamy buttercup squash with beautiful mild spices and added flavour from cream cheese, a bowl of this soup is like a warm hug.

Silky and smooth, this parsnip and pear purée trumps even the best mashed potatoes every time. Serve on the side of a beautiful meat dish with some salad greens for a deliciously warming meal.

The burnt butter gives this cake a delicious nutty flavour which pairs well with old friends, pear and chocolate. Serve for a gorgeous gluten-free dessert or a truly indulgent afternoon tea treat.

Scalloped potatoes, potato gratin, dauphinoise… These dishes get us swooning at their sheer comfort. Feel free to make this delicious potato dish ahead of time and reheat, especially when planning for a dinner party.

Cooked a day ahead, coq au vin is a brilliant and easy-to-make dish for serving a large group. With the flavours of wine, mushrooms, smoky bacon and thyme, the slow-cooked chicken is always succulent and juicy.

Nici uses crème fraîche to save making a roux for this seafood mornay, and the result is rich and creamy, making for a great way to send the taste buds soaring at the beginning of a feast.