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Here's a chance to raid your store cupboard for pulse and spice.   Choose the pulses that come to hand - think red lentil, split pea, black or green lentil, black eyed beans - work with what you have and enjoy discovering less known ingredients.   Delicately spiced with cardamom, fennel and cumin, this is a aromatic hug in a bowl. Source 300g washed, soaked and cooked pulses, as per packet instructions - this may need to be started the night before with an overnight soak. 1 generous onion, peeled and chopped. A chunk of fresh ginger and three garlic cloves, peeled and...

Hob nobs - classic cup-of-tea side dunk, loved by tea trollies accross the UK. So many of our shop-bought staples originate from home baking recipes. The humble 'nob began life as an Antipodean Anzac cookie, rich with butter, syrup and oats. So with time on our hands, don your Robyn apron and crank up the oven. "Better than shop bought," was the verdict here. Source 115g unsalted butter 55g sugar 30g syrup 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 70g plain flour 160g oats Vanilla paste and a pinch of salt to taste Action Put the kettle on, preheat your oven to 170c and line...

When in doubt, get baking. I've opened up my Little Black Book of recipes to share with you to enjoy at home during this crazy times. These are much loved recipes for home cooking, enjoyed by my family on a regular basis. Many of these formulas came from friends and mentors and are definitely tried and tested. First up: Best in Show Banana Bread.

Heading into quieter times as we are, I ran a straw poll through our Bird community for a Top Ten of Desert Island cook books.  What is the one cook book you’d choose to take with you, I asked if you were about to be holed up with time on your hands? These were the replies that made our top ten.  Read on for inspiration, comfort and very good eating.