Step 1 First you’ll need to soak the cannellini beans. Either place them in a pan with 4 pints of cold water and bring them up to the boil for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat and leave to soak for 2 hours; or else soak them in cold water for at least 6…

Step 1 Heat a large, heavy-based pan. Add the oil and then add the onions, celery, carrots, thyme, bay leaves and cook over a medium heat for about 10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and taken on a little colour, stirring occasionally. Step 2 Add the minced beef to the pan and cook until…

Step 1 Heat half the olive oil in a large pan and tip in the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened but not coloured. Stir in the minced beef and cook for another few minutes until lightly browned, breaking up any lumps with a wooden spoon. Stir in the passata and add the…

Step 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4. Heat a casserole dish, add the oil, then tip in the bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes until sizzling. Increase the heat and add the beef and cook for another 6-8 minutes until browned. Remove all the meat with a slotted spoon and add the onions, carrots…

Step 1 To make the bolognaise sauce, heat a large pan. Add the oil with the onion, carrot, celery, garlic and thyme. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and taken on a little colour, stirring occasionally. Add the minced beef and mix until well combined, then sauté until well browned, breaking up…

Step 1 To make the gravy, melt half the butter in a large frying pan and add the onions and sugar, then cook over a medium heat for 20-30 minutes until caramelised, stirring occasionally. Pour in the wine and allow to bubble down and then simmer until it has almost disappeared. Stir in the flour…

Step 1 Heat a large, heavy-based pan. Add the oil and sauté the pancetta or bacon for a minute or two until it has begun to crisp and release some of its fat. Add the onion, carrot, celery, garlic, thyme and bay leaf. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables have softened and taken on…

Step 1 Butter a 1½ litre (2 ½ pint) pudding basin or Pyrex bowl and line the base with a disc of non-stick parchment paper. To make the suet pastry, place the suet in a bowl, sieve over the flour and turmeric, then mix gently. Season lightly and then add the water, a little at…

Step 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4 Step 2 Cut the quince in half then cut each half into three pieces. Remove the seedy bit in the centre Step 3 Place them in a saucepan with 300ml water, the Marsala, sugar, cinnamon stick and spices. Simmer for 6 minutes or until a sharp…