Basics and extras

Rich custard Served warm or cold, this rich custard tastes great with many different kinds of puddings.
See the recipe

Crème anglaise This classic crème anglaise vanilla sauce is wonderful over hot puddings or served cold with berries.
See the recipe

Crème pâtissière This sweet pastry cream, known as Crème Pâtissière in France, is a rich and creamy filling for fruit tarts and choux buns.
See the recipe

Rich vanilla buttercream icing This simple vanilla buttercream icing recipe can be used to ice cupcakes and sandwich cake layers together.
See the recipe

Raspberry coulis This quick and easy raspberry coulis sauce is an excellent way to add a fresh flavour to all kinds of desserts.
See the recipe

Ginger cream sauce Make ordinary fruit into a delicious dessert by dipping in this creamy ginger sauce.
See the recipe

Tartare sauce The classic, piquant mayonnaise-based tartare sauce is traditionally served with fish, shellfish or crab and fish cakes.
See the recipe

Rouille A rich Provençale sauce, this rouille is delicately flavoured, coloured with saffron and traditionally served with fish soup.
See the recipe

Quick aioli This rich, creamy, garlicky sauce is delicious with fish. You can also make this 'traditionally', whipping up the aioli by hand...
See the recipe

Melon, green lime smoothie Whip up this refreshing vitamin-packed melon smoothie in a matter of minutes... for breakfast, as a thirst-quencher or an afternoon energy booster.
See the recipe

Chocolate milkshake float Rich and creamy, children will adore this rich and creamy chocolate milkshake float, as it is made using their favourite ingredients.
See the recipe

Pineapple milkshake This pineapple milkshake is a fun drink for children, with no need for added sugar.
See the recipe

Sweet lassi There is no better way of cooling down after a fiery curry than with a glass of chilled sweet lassi; or the salty version as a starter.
See the recipe

Fruit smoothie This calcium-rich smoothie is a delicious way to encourage your children to drink milk and consume fruit.
See the recipe

Mango and lime smoothie This mango smoothie makes a refreshing start to the day, and the lime gives a little hidden 'kick'.
See the recipe

Red fruit smoothie Smoothies make a healthy breakfast or snack, when the weather is warm. This one is a mix of whatever red fruits you have on hand.
See the recipe

Raspberry jam Raspberries are a very delicate fruit, so this jam needs hardly any preparation or cooking time at all. Fast and delicious!
See the recipe

Kiwi jam If you can get your hands on some cheap ripe kiwis, this jam makes an interesting change from the usual apricot.
See the recipe

Strawberry jam Pick up a couple of kilos of strawberries at the local farmer's market to make around 8 jars of delicious homemade strawberry jam.
See the recipe