Poached egg salad with garlic croutons

Classic combination of eggs, garlic and cheese make for a rich, yet fresh lunch dish

Jazzed-up parsnip mash

Sweet root vegetables given a spicy boost

Tender duck legs with baby turnips

A classic combination, if you have never tried braised duck, get ready for a great melt-in-the-mouth meal

Spinach & green bean salad

This salad is quick and simple to prepare, and goes beautifully with fish – you can prepare most of it ahead, too

Griddled leeks with hazelnut dressing

A light, citrussy vegetarian starter – it’s just as good at room temperature if you don’t want to do last-minute griddling

Barney’s Confit of duck

A classic, hugely popular recipe from France – one you can make time and time again and it just gets better

Homemade lemonade

Ideal as a refreshing picnic drink

Mango & vanilla granita

Delicious fruity, summer pudding – counts as 1 of your 5-a-day

Egg & new potato salad

Great for a summer lunch, picnic or barbeque – takes no time at all.

Goat’s cheese, herb & lemon patties

Nick Nairn’s vegetarian patties are perfect any time of year – the fresh herbs really liven up the flavour