This pie would make a wonderful centrepiece for a family meal. My granddaughters Abby and Grace helped me to make it for the TV programme. For this recipe you will need a 1.75 litre/3 pint shallow, wide-based ovenproof dish, about 25cm/10in in diameter.
Transform a little minced beef into a luscious spicy stew with beans, served with rice and a dollop of yoghurt to control the heat. This is designed to be a low cost recipe. This chilli can be made in advance and frozen, just leave to cool completely and pop in a freezer-proof container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
This chicken pie is easy to make and still feels like a proper pie - even though it's lower in calories. Serve with steamed veg, it's so filling you don't need anything else. For this recipe you will need two individual pie dishes (about 400ml/14fl oz). Each serving provides 344kcal, 41g protein, 12g carbohydrate (of which 8g sugars), 14g fat (of which 6g saturates), 3g fibre and 1.5g salt.
Crunchy sugar syrup lollies loaded with pecans and a sprinkling of crispy bacon bits. Sounds odd? Bacon tastes good in anything. Equipment and preparation: you will need a sugar thermometer.
A warming winter soup; the kick of ginger and chilli is set off by soothing coconut milk. If you can't get hold of pumpkin, try butternut squash. This meal, if served as six portions, provides 177kcal, 3g protein, 14g carbohydrate (of which 8g sugars), 11g fat (of which 10g saturates), 3.5g fibre and trace salt per portion.
Roast lamb accompanied by peas, mint and lettuce, this recipe captures Spring's sweetness and freshness. This meal provides 451 kcal, 37g protein, 5.5g carbohydrate (of which 2.5g sugars), 31g fat (of which 14.5g saturates), 2.3g fibre and 1.9g salt per portion.
This easy chilli is enlivened by a salsa crammed with healthy vegetables and creamy avocado. The spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste. This meal provides 393 kcal, 30g protein, 12g carbohydrate (of which 10g sugars), 23g fat (of which 7g saturates), 4g fibre and 0.4g salt per portion.
Add a little luxury to spring greens by stir frying them with nuts and bacon. It also works well with savoy cabbage in winter months. This dish provides 233 kcal, 9g protein, 4g carbohydrate (of which 3g sugars), 20g fat (of which 3.5g saturates), 5.5g fibre and 0.9g salt per portion.