Dessert of the Week: Shortbread Cookies!

10–12 small shortbread cookies

Perfect for little hands to help make (and eat!).

Ingredients:

• 40g plain flour

• 40g butter

• 40g sugar

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas Mark 5).

2. Mix the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

3. Add the flour a little at a time and mix until fully combined.

4. Wrap the dough in clingfilm and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

5. Roll out and use your favourite cookie cutters, or roll into a sausage shape and slice into 1.5cm rounds.

6. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 8–12 minutes until just golden.

7. Sprinkle with a little demerara sugar for extra crunch, or leave to cool and decorate with icing.

Simple, sweet, and fun to make together!

Pizza Bagels

Serves 2–4 people (depending on appetite)

Ingredients

• 2 bagels, halved (makes 4 pizza bagel bases)

• 1 tbsp pizza sauce, tomato-based sauce, or BBQ sauce per bagel half

• 30g mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese (grated) per bagel half

Optional Toppings

• Pepperoni

• Ham

• Cooked sausage

• Meat-free alternatives

• Onion

• Mushroom

• Peppers

• Olives

• Mixed herbs

Method

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5 / 190°C / 170°C (fan).

2. Slice the bagels in half and place them on a greased tray or lined baking sheet.

3. Spread each bagel half with your chosen sauce.

4. Sprinkle over the grated cheese.

5. Add any toppings you fancy.

6. Bake in the oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

To Serve

Enjoy your Pizza Bagels with garlic bread and a leafy salad, or serve alongside chips or potato wedges for a heartier meal.

🍝 Spaghetti Bolognese 🍝

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 75g pasta per person

• 500g beef mince (or vegan mince for a plant-based twist)

• 300g passata

• 1 veg or beef stock cube dissolved in ¼ pint water

• 1 large onion (diced)

• 1 red pepper (diced)

• 1 stick celery (chopped)

• 1 large carrot (chopped small)

• 10g garlic (crushed or finely chopped)

• 10g fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)

Method

1. Boil the pasta water – Put a pan of water on the hob ready for your pasta.

2. Brown the mince – In a large pan, cook the mince until there’s no pink left (about 10 minutes).

3. Add the veg – Stir in the onion, pepper, celery and carrot. Let them soften for 5–10 minutes.

4. Flavour time – Add the garlic and basil, cooking for another 5 minutes.

5. In with the stock – Pour in your prepared stock and simmer for 2 minutes.

6. Sauce it up – Add the passata, turn the heat down a little, and leave it to simmer for 10–15 minutes.

7. Cook the pasta – While the sauce is bubbling away, cook your pasta for 10–12 minutes until al dente.

To Serve

Dish up the pasta, spoon over plenty of Bolognese, and serve with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

✨ Want extra indulgence? Top with grated Parmesan or any cheese you fancy!