Nuts

Naturally creamy and slightly bitter in flavour, walnuts are the wrinkly, brain-like fruit of the walnut tree and a versatile storecupboard ingredient in both sweet and savoury cooking. Here, they contrast sweet leeks in a creamy blue cheese sauce for pasta – a quick and comforting dish for a cold winter night

Everyone will want to know the secrets of this wow-factor start or end to a meal. Pile up on handfuls of fresh bay leaves and herb sprigs for an elegant centrepiece, adding small grape bunches or halved figs if you like

These easy eight-legged friends will be a hit at your Halloween do this year. Use vegan chocolate, if required

Packed with nuts, seeds and crunchy quinoa and topped with dark chocolate, this is an incredibly moreish snack that’s perfect to pack for hikes and outings

Pork and apples are a match made in heaven. Here, the pairing is elevated with Spanish touches such as smoky paprika and tangy vinegar, plus toasted walnuts for crunch

'When autumn arrives, I like my bakes to be loaded with sweet, nutty deliciousness, so this crunch cake ticks all my boxes! A hybrid of banana bread and banoffee pie, the loaf is studded with biscuits and pecans, then drizzled with caramel for an extra layer of sticky indulgence,' says our Food Director Sarah

Use chocolate spread and granola to make this super-easy comfort pud

We’ve updated the meat-free classic with layers of root veg mash. Serve as a centrepiece with your favourite veg

This flavour-packed salad would be great as a side with some grilled meat, or as a meal in itself, tossed through with some feta or pan-fried halloumi