Canned kidney beans are a low-cost storecupboard staple. Discover our list of the best healthy and budget-friendly kidney bean recipes, from chilli to stews and one-pots.
Kidney beans are a staple store cupboard ingredient, most often used in a classic chilli con carne or a bean stew. With minimum effort, you could also achieve tasty meals with this ingredient in as little as 30 minutes. We have listed our best kidney bean recipes, ranging from Mexican and South American cuisine to Caribbean and Chinese, and other flavours fusions from around the world. These recipes are quick, healthy, use less home energy, use alternative methods like a slow cooker, are fuss-free, freezable and meal plan friendly, perfect for those who want to stick to a budget but want to enjoy wholesome food. As a protein source, beans and pulses are also high in fibre and iron, a great way to bulk out meals and achieve your five-a-day and a balanced meal. There's a kidney bean recipe collection for more inspiration, as well as healthy bean and bean salad collections. Learn more about the 10 best vegan protein sources and our store cupboard collection has smart recipes using cheap and healthy cupboard ingredients. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. Can you freeze kidney beans? Yes, kidney beans can be frozen. Plenty of the recipes shared below are freezable, such as our kidney bean curry and vegan chilli. Can you reheat kidney beans? Yes, once cooked, kidney beans can be enjoyed cold or reheated. 20 delicious kidney bean recipes... 1. Kidney bean curry One of the easiest ways to use this staple ingredient is to make a quick, hearty kidney bean curry. It is cheap and uses bulk buy ingredients making it the perfect budget meal for an easy weekday dinner. Batch cook and freeze this curry ahead if that suits you, too. Find more hearty curries in our winter curry collection. 2. Bean & halloumi stew Put a can of mixed beans to use in this tomato-based bean & halloumi stew. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's brilliant for a quick and easy midweek supper, with any leftovers put in the freezer. You could also bulk it up by serving with garlic bread, which is great for mopping up all the sauce. Check out more of our flavourful and warming veggie stew recipes. 3. Spicy bean tostadas with pickled onions and radish salad Mix kidney beans with chipotle paste and grab corn tortillas for these simple spicy bean tostadas with pickled onions & radish salad, a lunch full of flavour and nutrients so you won't go hungry. The pickled onions add acidity and the radishes give it an earthy, peppery flavour. Enjoy more Mexican cuisine with these vegetarian Mexican recipes. And find more uses for fluffy tortillas in these enchilada recipes. 4. Burnt aubergine veggie chilli This warming aubergine chilli is a storecupboard winner, making brilliant use of everyday spices and canned beans as well as cheap veg such as carrots. It's low fat and four of your five-a-day, too. We like to serve this smoky spiced vegetarian supper with brown rice and all the trimmings, such as tortilla chips, mashed avocado, yogurt or soured cream and grated cheddar. More low-fat vegetarian recipes can be found in our collection. 5. One-pot vegan rice and beans Packed with kidney beans, green olives and peppers, this vibrant vegan rice dish is a great option for a healthy, fuss-free dinner. This one-pot also makes great use of inexpensive veg, storecupboard favourites as well as warming spices. It just so happens to be gluten free and low in fat, too. Take a browse through more of our vegan one-pot recipes and budget vegan recipes. 6. Spicy chicken with coconut rice & beans Try this creamy Jamaican-style chicken served with kidney bean and red pepper coconut brown rice for a simple chicken dinner for two. Chicken breasts are coated in spices like allspice, ginger, garlic and paprika for depth of flavour, as well as fresh thyme for a herby boost. Served with a creamy rice and kidney bean mixture, it’s a deceptively healthy dinner that's low in fat and rich in fibre. You can find more healthy rice recipes in our collection. 7. Chipotle sweet potato & black bean stew with cheddar dumplings Enjoy this filling sweet potato and black bean stew for a budget-friendly, midweek meal which the whole family will love. Featuring moreish, golden brown cheddar dumplings placed on top, it makes a comforting veggie main which is also great for feeding a crowd. Serve the stew with the sliced jalapeño scattered on top, if you like. You can find more budget-friendly vegetarian meals in our collection. 8. Refried beans Ditch the shop-bought variety and try our easy homemade recipe for homemade refried beans instead. They work equally well as a party dip served with nachos, or as an accompaniment to a larger Tex-Mex-style meal. Blitzed kidney beans, oregano, paprika and a pinch of salt are tipped into an onion mixture that's flavoured with garlic, chilli and cumin seeds and cooked for 5 mins until the beans have heated through. You can serve straightaway with a sprinkling of coriander, if you like, or leave to cool and keep chilled. Find more Tex-Mex favourites in our easy Mexican recipe collection. 9. Vegan chilli This vegan chilli is a simple meal when you have leftover veg that needs using up, and doesn't fail on flavour, with spices, herbs and lots of fiery chilli. It's very nutritious and freezable, great for meal prep and budget-friendly living. For student- and family-friendly meals, check out our vegan bowl recipes and these delicious vegan rice recipes. 10. Double bean & roasted pepper chilli One of our most popular hearty dishes is this double bean & roasted pepper chilli. Low-fat, high in fibre and protein, and very wholesome, this chilli can be dowsed in Tabasco sauce, soured cream or yogurt to add creaminess or to take away some spice. Our vegetarian chilli collection is also a hit, paired with rice, tacos or grains. 11. Slow cooker chilli con carne Why cook on the hob when a slow cooker can do a better and easier job? This slow cooker chilli con carne makes kidney beans the star, alongside slow-cooked red pepper, celery and onion, with the smokiness from the chipotle paste and richness from the dark chocolate. Use cupboard ingredients to achieve this meal, serving alongside tortilla chips for some scooping action and lime wedges for that sharp kick. There are more healthy chilli con carne recipes in our collection. 12. Spaghetti puttanesca with red beans & spinach Swap the anchovies for kidney beans in this vegan spaghetti puttanesca with red beans & spinach. Full of nutrients such as iron, fibre, healthy fats and protein, this will prove a hearty meal for two; it is easily doubled if feeding a family. Find more ways to swap the classics in these vegan pasta recipes. 13. Spicy bean burgers with lime yogurt and salsa These vegetarian spicy bean burgers with lime yogurt and salsa are a great way of trialling healthier alternatives to meat. They are low in calories and can be dressed up in a bun with salad, avocado, salsa and lime dressing. Uncooked burgers can be made in advance and frozen to keep for a later date. For more inspiration, check out this bean burger collection and more vegetarian burgers. 14. Three bean salad with mozzarella Up your fibre and protein with this impressive three bean salad with mozzarella. It's a healthy balanced meal or side at a barbecue or dinner party and puts your store cupboard ingredients to good use. The silky and garlicky vinaigrette adds a nice acidity which binds the flavours together. You can find more in our bean salad collection and other tasty salads, too. 15. Refried bean quesadilla Have some friends and family coming round? This is an easy winning dinner. These refried bean quesadillas are vegetarian, full of flavour, cheap and take no time to put together. Fluffy tortillas filled with beans, spices, fresh herbs and melted cheese is always a great choice. Why not make more variety with recipes from our quesadilla collection and go crazy for refried beans in our collection. 16. Sweet potato jackets with guacamole & kidney beans Sweet potatoes, a great source of fibre, are counted as one of your five-a-day and are delicious in this sweet potato jacket with guacamole & kidney beans. This meal is very balanced and low-cost, making it an easy family dinner. Add red chilli for a kick and sprinkle fresh coriander with a drizzle of lime juice. Explore more recipes with sweet potato as the star ingredient. 17. Stuffed avocado with spicy beans and feta Fill halved avocados with this spicy beans and feta salsa. Full of vegetarian protein and fresh ingredients, this easy starter or snack is great for a Mexican-themed evening or if you're looking for a healthy meal to satisfy your hunger. There are more healthy avocado recipes to give a try. 18. Spicy chicken & bean stew Stews are generally easy meals to cook and prepare, whether in a slow cooker or on the hob. This spicy chicken and bean stew is made in one pot, hearty and nutritious, a tasty family meal for all to enjoy. More of this comes your way in our bean stew collection and you can find delicious chicken casseroles, too. 19. Vegetarian chilli Raid your cupboards for this easy four-ingredient vegetarian chilli. Grab a ready-to-eat pouch of grains, some tinned tomatoes, a pack of roasted vegetables and, of course, those delicious kidney beans. This wholesome vegan chilli will go down a storm. There's more where that came from in this guide to vegetarian storecupboard recipes. 20. Spicy chicken with rice and beans Chicken thighs are really budget friendly and can add an important protein source into a meal. This spicy chicken with rice and beans takes inspiration from many cuisines and is simple but very tasty. Add red or yellow peppers, which provide vitamin A and magnesium, adding to your five-a-day. Freeze the chicken sauce for another day and quickly make up some rice and beans. Head to our healthy chicken thigh for more cost-effective and nutritious meals. Enjoy the heat in these spicy chicken dishes. For more healthy meals on a budget, check out the following content... High-protein vegetarian recipes Healthy budget pasta Budget winter recipes Healthy student meal Budget entertaining recipes Budget autumn recipes Budget slow cooker recipes Budget batch-cooking recipes Healthy chicken recipes Healthy kids' recipes What are your favourite kidney bean recipes? Leave your comments below...
Autumn doesn’t get better than comforting soups, curries and stews. Tuck into these hearty dinners, perfect for family meal times.
Looking for autumn family dinner ideas? As the leaves start to turn and there’s a chill in the air, why not treat the family to our heartiest meals this autumn? The all-important butternut squash features in our favourites, as does slow-cooked meat in rich sauces, one-pot chilli, traybakes, creamy risotto and filling soups. With work or school commitments, family dinners can be tricky to navigate, so we’ve listed flexible dinners that require varying degrees of effort. Packed full of nutrients, autumn dinners ought to be both warming and filling, made to suit individual tastes. We have collections for autumn vegetarian recipes, and vegan, too, including some delicious dairy-free desserts. Our autumn recipes are regularly updated with seasonal dishes, as well as our spiced autumn cakes and warming desserts. For beverage accompaniments to your meals, dive into our warming autumn drinks and mocktails. Get your pantry well-stocked for the season with our top autumn storecupboard essentials. Add more recipes to your rotation with our top dinners for when you don’t know what to cook. Our favourite autumn family dinners 1. Butternut squash & sage risotto A vegetarian classic, this seasonal risotto is full of comforting, autumnal flavours. It's super easy to make, and ready in under an hour – perfect for a family meal during the week. Check out more butternut squash recipes for hearty curries, soups and pies. 2. Aubergine & chickpea stew An easy, plan-ahead recipe, this aubergine & chickpea stew is a vegan classic guaranteed to satisfy. Warm up some flatbreads, sprinkle over some pine nuts and you’re good to go. Find more cold-weather-classics with our vegan stew recipes, or try our vegetable or beef stews. 3. Creamy pumpkin pasta Blend puréed pumpkin with mascarpone and parmesan to make a creamy sauce to coat rigatoni. It's the perfect autumnal family dinner for cosy weeknights. Try more pumpkin recipes. 4. Apple, cheese & potato pie What could be more cosy than a pie? Hearty potatoes, cheese and seasonal apples make this an autumnal dinner the whole family will love. Discover more savoury pie recipes. 5. Spinach, sweet potato & lentil dhal This nutritious one-pot dhal is great for a balanced meal during the week. It's full of iron and contains all of the good stuff for kids and adults alike. Our vegetarian recipe collection is full of dinners like this, and our delicious dhal recipes are a treasure trove of spiced, satisfying dishes. 6. Slow-cooker beef stew This tender slow-cooker beef stew is the definition of autumnal food. With loads of vegetables, herbs and spices, expect the family to be wowed by its rich flavours, best served atop a pile of buttery mash. Try more beef stew recipes, or get a plant-based protein injection with our brilliant bean stews. 7. Smoky sausage & squash traybake Smoked paprika, harissa and honey transform sausages and seasonal squash into a satisfying yet simple dinner, for which your oven does most of the heavy lifting. Try more of our easy traybakes to lighten the load on busy weeknights. 8. Spiced lentil & butternut squash soup This creamy butternut squash soup is the perfect lunch or starter for four people. Plus, any leftovers can be frozen to save time on another day. Serve with crusty bread for dunking. 9. Veggie sausage casserole Make a comforting vegetarian one-pot with vegetarian sausages, carrots and butter beans, flavour-boosted with a drizzle of green pesto. Serve with crusty bread for dunking. Discover more vegetarian one-pot recipes. 10. Baked pork, apple & cheddar meatballs Who can resist a warming bowl of meatballs and rich tomato sauce, especially when the meatballs are oozing with molten extra-mature cheddar cheese? This dish makes a fun weekend dinner that little hands can get involved with, too – and the meatballs can even be made in advance and frozen, if needed. Discover more meatball recipes. More dinner inspiration... Autumn vegetable salad with saffron dressing Squash, chickpea and coconut curry Chicken pasta bake Stuffed pumpkin Creamy pumpkin pasta Tell us your favourite autumn family dinners in the comments below...
As the nights draw in, keep your little ones busy with seasonal bakes. Celebrate autumn with our blackberry cake, toffee apple cookies, pumpkin pie and more
Whether you're sheltering indoors from a downpour of rain, or making the most of the British hedgerows and orchards, we have plenty of ideas to keep you and the kids happy this autumn. From fruit cakes, toffee sauces and puddings, pumpkin recipes and sparkling Bonfire Night classics, we've got you covered for any occasion. Delve into a seasonally-spiced bounty of autumn desserts and autumn cakes. We've also collated our top autumn baking recipes and top autumn recipes, full of sweet and savoury dishes for you to explore. For family dinners, why not try out some of our autumn salad recipes or nutritious autumn vegetarian recipes? If you're having a party or get together with under-18s, try these autumn mocktails, full of non-alcoholic spiced drinks, faux fizz and mulled deliciousness. Autumn baking projects for kids Jump to section: Blackberry recipes Apple recipes Fruity cakes and bakes Pumpkin recipes Halloween recipes Bonfire Night recipes Blackberry recipes Arm yourself and the children with baskets and containers, then head into the wilderness to forage a fine blackberry feast. Be sure to avoid hedgerows next to busy roads or areas that might be within reach of dogs. For ambitious little bakers, this blackberry & orange cake brings tangy marmalade into the filling for a fun twist on the classic layer cake. When you get home, turn your treasures into something spectacular with our child-friendly recipes. Reinvent the classic sandwich cake with this fabulously fluffy blackberry Victoria sponge. It features an easy-to-follow method designed for kids to master a basic sponge, and can be adapted with different jams and fruits. Blackberry & hazelnut crumble flapjacks are a brilliant bake for young ones, and the smallest hands can get involved in making our blackberry & apple loaf cake. Use up a summer glut by making our easy blackberry jam or, if you've collected a hotchpotch of fruit, Angela's flexible jam recipe is a great way of using it up. Keep the kids busy while you deal with hot pans by getting them to design labels, which is also a lovely way to make them gift-worthy. Or, transform your jam into a delicious blackberry cheesecake. Find more brilliant blackberry recipes. Apple recipes In October, the great British apple (and all its varieties) is celebrated up and down the country, with a number of apple festivals, from apple bobbing to apple pressing, to events with live bands and cider. There are plenty of festivals that offer fun for all the family, so it's worth checking out what's going on near you – toffee apples are compulsory. But the apple love doesn't have to stop there; get your child to don a mini pinny and get them baking in the kitchen. These little toffee apple cakes have been specifically tailored for kids aged between 8-14, whereas children in the 3-6 range can get stuck into making sweet baked apples. If you want some speedy, scrumptious snacks to keep their energy levels up, our chewy toffee apple cookies and satisfying apple hand pies will also go down a treat, as do our apple pie bars for a mid-morning treat. Kids will love making their first crumble with our classic apple version made with gluten-free porridge oats. For a real project, get making our spectacular spiced toffee apple traybake, topped with sliced apples and drizzled in gooey toffee sauce. This is easily cut into squares, perfect for a kids' party or Bonfire Night celebration. Discover more delicious seasonal recipes in our apple and apple cake collections. Fruity cakes and bakes Picking seasonal fruit and vegetables to cook will help your kids recognise the different seasons, especially if you browse a local market or farm shop together. This spiced plum & coconut cake is a very achievable project for kids to get stuck into. Our courgette muffins are suitable for those aged 8-14 years and will definitely get vegetable-dodgers thinking twice. Or, help them make their own lunchbox treats with simple recipes like sticky plum flapjack bars or apple & sultana muffins. For a super simple dessert, make this stunning plum and almond pastry using just five ingredients and show the kids how to whip up a basic frangipane mixture. Remember, getting children involved in cooking doesn't have to be a big project, simply providing easy, regular jobs like grating cheese or washing lettuce should give them confidence and, most of all, enthusiasm for cooking. Pumpkin recipes Revel in all things pumpkin and spice with great warming, autumnal treats for the whole family. As the weather gets cooler and jumpers and coats come out of storage, why not spend some time with the kids making delicious bakes? We have a cracking selection of pumpkin recipes, using leftover seasonal fruit and tinned pumpkin purée, which is so tasty in traybakes and sticky puddings. For a savoury snack perfect for a party, our mini pumpkin & feta pies may be more work, but you will more than reap the rewards. We love adding pumpkin spice mix to bakes for an instant autumnal flavour hit – try it in these pretty pumpkin spice cupcakes or whip up a batch of fluffy pumpkin muffins. Our pumpkin pie s'mores are perfect for a kids party, Bonfire Night or as a weekend movie night treat. For more hands-on but simple kitchen baking, try out our pumpkin dessert recipes, these recipes are kid and family friendly and make great introductory baking activities for your little ones. An American export, the all-things pumpkin craze is a sure winner for autumn inspiration and makes for incredibly versatile and tasty recipes. Why not also keep to the American theme and try this pumpkin pie recipe with the kids? It's perfect with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee, to take to a potluck or as a simple autumnal dessert to enjoy after dinner. Halloween recipes The day is covered by the orange hues of autumn trees and by night, the air is filled with giggles from your kids ready to shout 'boo!' from behind a curtain. The time has come for sweet concoctions and devilish desserts for Halloween, where you can make simple treats with your little helpers. Above is our haunted graveyard cake, a delicious chocolate cake covered in chocolate ganache and decorated with ghouls and chocolate-covered biscuit headstones. Decoration makes for a great afternoon project, so it can take centre stage at the Halloween party later on. Older kids will love to get creative with decorating our spiced pumpkin Halloween cake, Halloween bark and Halloween doughnuts ready for trick-or-treating. For more easy baking projects, ranging in difficulty and cooking time, follow our Halloween kids' recipes, featuring impressive ghostly easy Halloween cookies, hooting Halloween owl cupcakes, gooey Halloween brownies and nutty chocolate apples. You'll also find a host of terrifying treats in our collection of Halloween baking recipes, which includes monster Halloween cupcakes, a black cat cake and freaky finger red velvet cake. Jobs for your little ones range from mixing ingredients, breaking up nuts and cutting out dough with biscuit cutters. Need a break from all the sweet treats? Sink your fangs into our spine-tingling savoury bakes, including Halloween spider pizzas, mini pumpkin and feta pies or gory guts tear 'n' share bread. Bonfire Night recipes Bonfire Night is a great occasion to get the family together for a big celebration, and an even better excuse to get baking. Let your kids' imagination run wild with our Bonfire Night cookies, while our giant cookie recipe is the perfect sharing dessert – caramelly, chocolatey, fudgy and customisable with your choice of extra toppings. Get your little helpers in the kitchen making Bonfire Night snacks – both sweet and savoury – or helping with Bonfire Night desserts, including indulgent toffee cakes, cheesecakes and brownies. For seasonally spiced sponges to keep you warm while you watch the fireworks, try our Bonfire Night cakes, including toasted marshmallow campfire cupcakes, plus with traybakes, layered coffee cake, fruit loaves and more. Simple cookery and baking tasks are highly beneficial to a child's cognitive learning. Knowledge of different flavours and pairing of ingredients is also useful at any age, and could be the start of a culinary hobby – which, when delicious dishes arrive on your table, will benefit everyone. More kids' cooking inspiration Top easy bakes for kids Half-term recipes for kids Activities for kids hub page Fun baking projects for kids Kids' baking recipe collection What are your favourite recipes to make with children? Comment below...
A can of chickpeas can be a low-cost option, making it a staple for every store cupboard. Explore a variety of tasty curries, stews, salads, tagine and more, all with chickpeas as the star ingredient.
A can of chickpeas can be such a lifesaver ingredient for quick and easy meals. Tucked away in the kitchen cupboard, chickpeas are wonderfully versatile, delicious and nutritious. High in fibre, calcium and magnesium, chickpeas make an important addition to a balanced meal. We’ve collated some of our best chickpea recipes, from curries, stews, salads and tagine to meat alternatives such as chickpea burgers, for you to explore. These dishes showcase the fabulous tastes and textures of the humble legume, all healthily balanced and budget-friendly. You can try out more chickpea recipes and healthy chickpea recipes in our collection and read some ideas on how to cook and prepare chickpeas in our useful guide. Find more recipes in our collection of kids' chickpea recipes and vegan chickpea recipes. Get more out of your storecupboard with our budget storecupboard meals and healthy storecupboard ideas, then read our guide which looks into the top reasons to eat more beans and pulses. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. 20 flavourful chickpea recipes 1. Paneer, chickpea & spinach curry Put a can of chickpeas to delicious use in this family-friendly veggie curry starring squeaky, golden paneer. This high-fibre dish promises plenty of flavour, with mango chutney providing a fruity sweetness to offset the heat of the curry. Packed full of goodness, it's a great meal to have in the freezer for busy nights. What's more, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Try more of our quick curry recipes. 2. Curried butter-baked cod with cauliflower & chickpeas Deliver big flavours with this aromatic cod traybake, combining chunky white fish, chickpeas, cauliflower and spinach. Serve this traybake in the middle of the table with the spinach in a bowl alongside for everyone to help themselves. Try it for a flavour-packed, family-friendly dinner that also happens to be gluten-free. See more gluten-free dinner recipes. 3. Smoky chickpea salad Enjoy the layers of flavour and contrast of textures in this vibrant vegan salad, layering crisp, fried chickpeas with crunchy raw broccoli and a smoked paprika dressing. This easy dish can be thrown together in under 20 minutes, perfect for a fast, nutritious lunch. It's healthy and low in fat, too. Discover more chickpea salad recipes. 4. Spicy prawn & fennel chickpeas Treat a crowd to this comforting and warming brothy stew. Combining juicy tiger prawns with fennel and chickpeas, it's best served with plenty of crusty white bread on the side to mop up the spicy sauce. This easy-to-make stew has health credentials to boot, being low in calories and fat as well as gluten-free. Browse through more healthy casserole and stew recipes. 5. Coronation chickpea sandwich filler Create this veggie version of lunchtime favourite Coronation chicken using chickpeas, then stuff into sandwiches for a levelled-up midday meal. It makes a lovely addition to a summer picnic menu, spooned into rolls or sandwiched between bread slices with a few lettuce leaves. This vegan sandwich filler is a no-cook winner, plus it's ready to go in less than 10 minutes. Take a look at more vegetarian picnic and vegan picnic recipes. 6. Vegan chickpea curry jacket potatoes Get some protein into a vegan diet with this nourishing jacket potato recipe, loaded with a deliciously spiced chickpea curry mixture. It's an easy midweek meal or filling lunch that packs a lot of flavour thanks to everyday spices like garlic, ginger, garam masala and turmeric. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, some seasoning and a scattering of coriander leaves. Dive into more healthy vegan lunch recipes. 7. Orzo & chickpea soup Rustle up this healthy, low-fat, low-calorie soup combining orzo, chickpeas, veg and a can of chopped tomatoes. We've also added a parmesan rind and rosemary stalks for a real depth of savoury flavour. Perfect for a warming and filling vegetarian dinner, with health benefits to boot. Drizzle over extra virgin olive oil and grated parmesan to serve. Discover more healthy vegan recipes. 8. Chicken & chickpea curry Try Chetna Makan's spicy chicken and chickpea curry for a dish that packs in punchy flavour but doesn't require lots of effort. Chicken thighs take centre stage – a budget-friendly cut of meat – along with chickpeas and warming storecupboard spices. When ready to serve, scatter over the coriander and serve with rice or warm naans. It's great to freeze any leftovers for busy days, too. Check out more chickpea curry recipes. 9. Smoky carrot & chickpea traybake Feta, carrots, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes and plenty of spices combine to make this easy, veg-packed traybake. Season the traybake to taste with salt, pepper and lemon juice, then scatter over the feta mixture and serve with flatbreads for scooping up the carrots and chickpeas. Try it for a nutritious, low-calorie veggie dinner. Find more healthy traybake recipes. 10. One-pan lamb tagine with chickpeas Serve Tom Kerridge's easy lamb and chickpea tagine with couscous and spiced yogurt on the side for a flavour-packed feast that feeds up to six. We suggest making this one-pan tagine a day or two ahead to really develop the flavours. It makes entertaining that little bit easier, as all you'll need to do is reheat it. Take a browse through more lamb tagine recipes. 11. Slow-cooker chickpea stew Enjoy the depth of flavour that comes with slow-cooking our hearty chickpea stew. Simply tip everything from the pan into the slow cooker along with the chickpeas and their liquid, the tomatoes, tomato purée and the stock, mix well then cook on high for 5 hours, or low for 7 hours. Serve with a scattering of coriander and fluffy couscous for a low-fat, high-fibre dinner. Check out more of our healthy slow cooker recipes. 12. Spicy chickpea stew Make a filling meal that encourages healthy gut bacteria with this chickpea and cauliflower stew. With chickpeas being a valuable plant-based protein and full of fibre, this meat-free dish makes for a healthy yet comforting weeknight dinner. Any leftovers will keep covered and chilled for up to three days. Try more high-fibre recipes. 13. Chicken with crushed harissa chickpeas Need something speedy for dinner? Try this chicken, coated in flavourful za'atar and served with harissa-spiced chickpeas. It's simple, but seriously delicious, not to mention ready on the table in just 15 minutes. Try it for dinner tonight - we won't be surprised if it takes a spot in your weekly dinner rotation. Take a browse through more 15-minute dinner recipes. 14. Smoky chickpeas on toast A comfort lunch or lazy weekday dinner, smoky chickpeas on toast is very easy to make and simply involves bubbling all the ingredients together. The chipotle paste is the scene-stealer, giving the chickpeas a rich and smoky flavour. Serve on delicious crusty bread and fry an egg for the top. Find more smoky and flavourful pairings in our chipotle collection. 15. Chickpea & coriander burgers Take a pause on the meat and try out these chickpea and coriander burgers, which are high in fibre and low in fat. Bind the mixture with fresh breadcrumbs and fry in shallow oil to achieve a crispy exterior with gorgeously soft centre. We’ve got more chickpea burger recipes with flavours of falafel, mushroom and lamb. 16. Chickpea & coconut dhal This finely spiced chickpea and coconut dhal has a nice simplicity to it. It includes ‘tarka’, a spiced butter that’s poured over the dhal when serving. The dish is wonderfully fragranced and would make a great contribution to Indian fakeaway night. Treat the family to a midweek vegetarian curry in our collection. 17. Curried spinach, eggs & chickpeas You’ll find this vegetarian dinner is well-balanced and provides four of your five-a-day. Chickpeas are yet again the perfect accompaniment to a spiced tomato sauce. Hard boil an egg to your liking to top it off. A hearty dish of curried spinach, eggs and chickpeas will not disappoint. Try more of our egg curries, as well as our healthy winter curry recipes. 18. Harira Tomato-based, Moroccan harira is a warming soup packed with pulses, like lentils, succulent beef and blended spices. A very satisfying dinner and perfect for a chilly winter’s evening. Enjoy more Moroccan cuisine in our collection. 19. Chipotle chickpeas with aubergine & pitta Life is always better with a spicy kick! These chipotle chickpeas with aubergine and pitta are a light lunch option when you want something simple but incredibly tasty. Sample more chipotle tastiness from our recipe collection. 20. Squid, prawn & chickpea nduja stew If you love fish, you’ll love this. The squid, prawn and chickpea stew is easily adapted to your favourite fish, but we recommend squid as it’s cheap and great for bulking out dishes. Spreadable Italian nduja sausage is spicy hot and seasons the tomato sauce beautifully, while the chickpeas add a lovely fibrous base. Enjoy on its own or dunk in hunks of fresh bread. Try out more budget fish recipes in our collection. Enjoy these recipes? Check out more on chickpeas, health and budget content... Kids' chickpea recipes Budget supermarket swap ideas Vegetarian budget meal plan 5-ingredient budget meal plan Top 10 budget family meals Top 10 quick budget family meals 20 high-protein vegetarian foods Top 20 family barbecue recipes 20 best chilli recipes Best healthy dinner-to-lunch recipes Top 10 storecupboard health foods Leave your comments below on how you like to use a tin of chickpeas in recipes...
Quick, easy and fun to make, these no-bake treats for kids feature chocolate, dried fruit, frozen bananas, cheesecake bars and more.
Getting the kids into the kitchen to help with cooking and baking is a fun and educational weekend activity. Having some simple recipes that require no oven cooking or baking equipment is also a great way to enjoy treats without the mess, fuss and time constraints. We've compiled a few of our favourite sweet snack recipes for kids to make (with some supervision from parents and guardians). You'll need to help with tasks such as melting chocolate and slicing with sharp knives, but children should be able to help with the majority of the recipes. They vary from chocolatey biscuit bars to cheesecakes and melted chocolate slabs with lots of sprinkles, allowing little ones to get creative. There are loads more kid- and family-friendly recipes in our no-bake dessert recipes collection and no-cook kids recipes, as well as general family baking content in our kids' baking recipe collection. Our top 10 no-bake recipes for kids 1. No-bake orange cheesecake This simple, zesty cheesecake is the perfect recipe to make on a weekend afternoon with the kids. They can help crush the biscuits and, with some supervision, melt the butter to pour over the crumbs to make the base. The creamy layer is a great way for kids to learn about flavour combinations, too. Try more of our gorgeously flavoured no-bake cheesecakes. 2. No-bake flapjacks If you find yourself struck by a sudden sweet tooth, look no further than our swift and delightful no-bake vegan flapjacks. Ready in a mere 15 minutes and infinitely customisable with your choice of chocolate, dried fruits, or nuts, they offer the ideal remedy for any craving. 3. Rocky road Storecupboard ingredients come to the rescue in this kid-friendly rocky road. With minimal effort, this chocolatey dessert is finished in the fridge, so it can easily be enjoyed for an afternoon tea party or prepared for a bake sale. For extra crunch and sweetness, add raisins, nuts, honeycomb pieces and popcorn, or whatever bits you have in the cupboard. We have more kid- and adult-friendly rocky road recipes, as well as delicious fridge cake recipes to explore. 4. Chocolate drizzled popcorn A combination of chocolate and popcorn equals snack heaven. This quick, light snack is great for film nights with the little ones, or pack for a tasty lunchbox treat for school. We recommend using dark chocolate, but milk chocolate will also work – it will be less rich, but sweeter. You could also follow our recipe for a simple sweet popcorn, or explore our popcorn recipes collection. 5. Mini Eton Mess cheesecake tarts With fewer than 10 ingredients, these mini Eton mess cheesecake tarts come together in 10 minutes. Featuring two simple steps, they’re an ideal recipe for little ones to take the reins. Bursting with colour, they make a fun addition to any party spread. 6. Sweet shop chocolate slab Make your own customisable chocolate bar at home and get creative with colourful toppings. We’ve selected creme eggs, chocolate flakes and other sweeties, but other combinations are just as fun and delicious. These would make a great edible gift for a birthday party or any special occasion. We have a variety of chocolate slabs and barks in our chocolate bark recipes collection, plus ideas for some leftover chocolate recipes. 7. Frozen banana lollies Get a serving of your five-in-a-day in with these fruit lollies topped with chocolate and colourful sprinkles. Natural yogurt adds creaminess and boosts this snack's nutritional benefits, as it contains protein and calcium. Kids would love these at a party or as an after-school treat. See our kids’ ice lolly recipes for more fruity and chocolatey inspiration. 8. No-cook strawberry cheesecake sundaes Patience isn’t always a virtue for kids, but with these strawberry cheesecake sundaes, it’s not a problem. Packed with all the creamy flavour of a cheesecake and none of the waiting, they make the perfect quick treat to round off any meal. 9. Chocolate crunch bars Kids can get stuck into this no-bake chocolate crunch bar recipe. Adults can help melt the chocolate, then children can stir all the ingredients together to achieve this simply divine treat. For more squared sharing desserts, you'll want to try this chocolate tiffin packed with raisins and biscuits. Find more inspiration in our melted chocolate recipes collection. 10. Chocolate cornflake cakes A classic, no-bake childhood favourite, these crunchy cups of chocolatey goodness will be gone within the first two bites. Adults will need to melt the chocolate with butter and golden syrup, but children can then add the cornflakes and mix thoroughly to coat them. Weighing ingredients is a great experience for kids as it will help them learn basic kitchen skills. Why not also make this easy cornflake tart? It's a great dessert for the whole family. 11. Blueberry & coconut frozen ‘cheesecake’ bars These dairy- and gluten-free treats are full of healthy, great-tasting ingredients. Swapping soft cheese and double cream for coconut cream – it makes this cheesecake sumptuous while creating a nutty flavour and creamy consistency. The date and almond base is equally inviting. Kids can easily help with each step, but will need to be patient while the bars freeze! For more kid- and family-friendly cheesecake recipes, see our sharing dessert ideas recipe collection. 12. Rice pop doughnuts These rice pop cereal doughnuts are great for allowing kids to get creative with decorations. Mixed with milk or dark chocolate, butter and sweet golden syrup, these crispy snacks are can be decorated with white chocolate and your favourite sprinkles. They would also be lovely at a children’s party or even given as a gift. For more cereal snack recipe inspiration, try these chewy no-bake cereal bars. 13. Apple ‘doughnuts’ These creamy, nutty, sweet apple rings are the ultimate picnic snack. Kids can help with mixing, peeling the apples (with supervision) and decorating. An alternative to chocolatey treats, these will satisfy a sugar craving and are much healthier. For more apple treats, make these candy apples – they're suitable for any event, especially Halloween and Bonfire Night. Enjoyed these? Why not try our other sweet treats: Marshmallows dipped in chocolate Rocky road clusters Christmas rocky road Crispy chocolate fridge cake Rainbow fruit skewers Frozen banana & peanut butter cheesecake Quick & easy tiramisu Tell us your favourite no-bake sweet snacks in the comments below...
You don't need to spend a fortune to eat healthily. These nutritious, everyday ingredients are great on a budget – from canned fish to vegetables such as carrots and broccoli
New research shows that people want to eat healthily but feel recent rises in food prices (and other costs) are a major barrier to this. The Good Food Nation Survey saw an overwhelming number of respondents suggesting that eating healthily was still a priority, with 69 per cent considering themselves 'healthy eaters' despite financial limitations. However, 28 per cent of respondents found themselves eating less healthily due to increasing costs, putting into perspective the difficulty in finding and cooking well-rounded, nutritious meals cheaply and sustainably. To help, we've selected our favourite nutritious ingredients that work with most budgets, to make healthy eating cheaper and easier. Check out more articles from our health hub and read up on the healthiest grains, healthiest winter foods and cheap ways to get your five-a-day. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. What are the most nutritious cheap foods? 1. Canned tuna Canned tuna is a good value and versatile ingredient. Add to pasta bakes, salads, wraps, sandwiches and more. Tuna is also a great way of getting vital protein into your diet and is low in fat. Find out more in our top five health benefits of canned tuna. Try this accessible storecupboard ingredient in our recipe for tuna, caper & chilli spaghetti, check out this budget-friendly storecupboard tuna bean salad or fix up a simple dinner for the whole family with our tuna & sweetcorn fish cakes. 2. Frozen peas Frozen vegetables are incredibly convenient when it comes to boosting the nutrient content of your dinner. Peas are particularly useful: rich in fibre and plant-based protein, they'll go a long way in soups, stews, salads and tasty side dishes. We've got recipes which cost so little to make but can become family favourites. Check out our pasta with ham & minty pea pesto, pea falafels with minty couscous salad or this pea & feta pearl barley stew, a hearty cold weather must-have. 3. Eggs Eggs are an invaluable, budget-friendly source of protein and contain almost every nutrient you need: read more in our top 10 health benefits of eggs. To reduce wastage and keep to budget, why not check out our recommended top 16 ways with leftover egg whites and yolks. More cost-effective deliciousness is headed your way in our Turkish one-pan eggs & peppers (Menemen), egg wraps with black beans & rocket and these egg-fried noodles with beansprouts. 4. Oats This wholegrain has many benefits, from managing cholesterol levels, balancing blood sugar, helping weight management and helping you stay fuller for longer. Read more in our article 'Are oats good for you?'. Porridge doesn't need to be boring with our healthy porridge bowl, customisable to your favourite toppings and ingredients. We recommend balancing flavours and adding fibre-rich fruits and seeds such as banana, raspberries, goji berries, chia seeds, with a side dollop of smooth peanut butter. For further inspiration, join the craze with these 10 ways with overnight oats. Bulk out your breakfasts and snacks with these economical banana oat pancakes and budget porridge. 5. Apples Apples come in many varieties, are cheap, readily available and can make delicious additions to many dishes and desserts. For more nutritional information, find our top five health benefits of apples. To make fresh apples last longer, learn how to freeze apples, a cheap and cost-effective way of meal prepping. Try a simple green apple salad or up the ante with an impressively nutritious Waldorf salad, made with toasted walnuts, Greek yogurt and more. This slow cooker spiced apples with barley is particularly healthy for your wallet. 6. Carrots Beta-carotene is a key nutrient in carrots. It's important for eyesight, immunity, healthy skin and ageing – meaning carrots are well worth adding to your shopping basket. Discover more about their nutrient content in our article, top five health benefits of carrots and get plenty more recipe inspiration with 20 ways with carrots. For budget options, try this spiced carrot & lentil soup, carrot pilaf with coriander chutney or baked carrot & nigella seed bhajis with raita. 7. Cauliflower Cauliflower is an incredibly versatile vegetable, holding its own as a 'steak', as 'rice,' or mashed, roasted or part of a curry or pilaf. It's also surprisingly nutritious, as our article on the top five health benefits of cauliflower will show you. Get cooking with these delicious 10 ways with cauliflower recipes. Budget-friendly cauliflower recipes are easy to find, including our cauliflower soup and our tasty warm cauliflower salad. This fennel roasted cauliflower with quinoa is super delicious and nutrient dense, including three of the recommended five-a-day. 8. Yogurt Yogurt is great for your gut – and makes it into our top 12 healthiest fermented foods. For the full low-down on this fridge staple, check out our top 10 health benefits of Greek yogurt. If you find yourself stumped for ideas on how to make a big tub of yogurt go further, find ideas on how to use up leftover yogurt. Put those healthy alternative ideas to use in our fresh budget recipes, including these lemon & yogurt chicken flatbreads, frozen tropical fruit yogurt and strawberry frozen yogurt. 9. Tinned beans A classic storecupboard staple, beans go such a long way in providing vital nutrients to the whole family. Low-cost cans of beans can bulk up dishes like curries, chillis and flavourful salads packed full of flavour. This double bean & roasted pepper chilli is the definition of a perfect midweek meal, with plenty for leftovers on another day.Try out our white bean hummus with pickled beetroot & kale ideal for a buffet or as a starter or side dish. Find tasty inspiration in these 20 ways with kidney beans. A UK cupboard staple is the humble baked bean in a rich tomato sauce. But are baked beans healthy? Find out all relevant information in our useful guide. See the versatility of this fibre-rich legume for yourself in this budget-friendly Mexican bean soup with guacamole and our fresh tuna, asparagus & white bean salad. 10. Broccoli This cruciferous veg is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C which is an antioxidant, as well as vitamin K and folate. You can enjoy broccoli raw or cooked, such as steamed, stir-fried or roasted in the oven. Make sure to use the whole broccoli as the stem is packed with nutrients too – plus it contains more fibre than the florets. Try our broccoli salad recipes, such as our broccoli stem falafel bowl, broccoli pasta salad with salmon & sunflower seeds. Or try our broccoli cheese with wholemeal pasta & brown breadcrumbs for a wholesome and hearty family meal. Learn more about health benefits of broccoli and discover even more healthy broccoli recipes. Which nutritious cheap foods do you most like? Share your thoughts below... Want more on nutrition? 10 budget 'superfood' swaps Most popular budget recipes of winter 2023 Top 10 healthy budget dinners Speedy family budget meal plan Budget supermarket swap recipes Top tips for healthy eating on a budget Family budget meal plan 30 of the healthiest winter foods Cheap ways to get your five-a-day What is the cheapest healthy diet? Budget healthy recipes Healthy dinner
Create the best family-friendly Christmas afternoon tea with our mocktails, hot drinks, sweet and spiced bakes and moreish, festive savoury snacks.
Keep festive spirits high with a Christmas afternoon tea. It’s a great way of catching up with family and friends, giving the kids a break from schoolwork and having fun with loved ones. Most importantly, it’s a good excuse for gathering everyone to share in delicious treats and festive cheer. We’ve compiled a few ideas of what you could make for your special guests, some of which are suitable for kids to make with parental supervision. There are seasonal drinks, such as hot chocolates, coffees and classic teas; savoury sandwiches; bite-sized party food and various baked goods. To make things easier, decide on a few quick recipes to whip up alongside a main centrepiece cake or sandwich selection. You could also go with a bit of everything – traybakes and small savoury snacks are great sharing pieces, or try a mini buffet-style selection of food. For more general inspiration, check out our afternoon tea collection and vegan afternoon tea recipes. Alongside the indulgent treats below, you might want to balance out your table with some healthy Christmas snack recipes or healthy vegan snacks. We also have healthy Christmas canapés for more fun afternoon tea ideas. For more savoury snacks, try our healthy salty snacks. Our ideas for a Christmas afternoon tea Christmas drinks Festive cocktails & mocktails An afternoon tea should always include a bowl full of flavourful punch for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Our pear & rose punch is the perfect winter drink for an afternoon of fun and socialising. Packed full of ginger, cardamom, vanilla and rosewater, you’ll get hints of both warmth and freshness. Or, for a grown-up party, try our mulled orange wine and or espresso eggnog martini. Our pomegranate mojito mocktail is also very popular and can be made in batches, so it's easier to serve at a party or afternoon tea with loads of guests. For more of a classic Christmas touch, try the non-alcoholic mulled wine, which is spiced to perfection. We also have a seasonal crangria with cranberry juice and plenty of festive fruit. Discover even more Christmas mocktail recipes and non-alcoholic Christmas drinks. Hot drinks Indulgent hot chocolates will forever be a feature of wintertime. Our Christmas hot chocolate is the ultimate festive treat, while hot chocolate bombs are so fun to make and a great activity for your afternoon tea. Our wider collection of hot chocolate recipes is full of great ideas and flavours, while our slow cooker hot chocolate is also perfect for a get-together like an afternoon tea. Brew any tea you like, whether that be classic English breakfast or black tea. Or, for a warming alternative, try honey & lemon, smoky ginger & honey tea or rooibos & pear tea. We have also a few coffee recipes for you to try, like a cappuccino, latte, macchiato, mocha and loads more. Christmas snacks Savoury snacks Not only are bite-sized savoury snacks the perfect Christmas Day addition, they're also ideal for afternoon teas and parties, especially these super sausage rolls. They are even tastier paired with chutney or pickle. Follow the sausage roll recipe collection for more flavour pairings. Another afternoon tea classic is the humble sandwich – we have plenty of afternoon tea sandwich inspiration, including our ultimate turkey sandwich as well as a club sandwich recipe you could recreate. For even more, look to our special sandwich and vegan sandwich collections. Scotch eggs are also a big hit, with a meaty filling and crisp breadcrumb coating. Our manchego & chorizo melting moments are an irresistible treat that your guests will love. Sweet treats As well as moreish savoury snacks, nothing beats the sweet treats. Rocky roads and tiffin are the easiest to whip up – chill in advance so they're ready to devour alongside a warming afternoon beverage. We have a Christmas rocky road recipe and rocky road clusters to try, too, alongside our impressive chocolate tiffin packed with milk and dark chocolate, raisins and crunchy biscuits. Our Christmassy vegan tiffin is also a big hit, made from dark chocolate, gingernut biscuits, dried cranberries and sweet pistachios. Christmas cakes and bakes Cakes A centrepiece cake for an afternoon tea is a must-have, especially when you’ve invited family and friends. Our stollen muffins are packed with festive spices and dried fruit. For more Christmassy flavours, we have a ginger & white chocolate cake that's great for sharing and full of warmth from the ginger and black treacle. For some fun Christmas icing, make our Christmas tree cupcakes, and if you're a chocolate lover, you'll also adore our Christmas chocolate cake. Keep to the delicious ginger and spice theme with our selection of ginger cake recipes, including our gingerbread loaf cake, perfect for seasonal parties and get-togethers. We also have a Christmas cake collection, which includes a variety of fruit cakes and more modern twists on festive flavours, like salted caramel, almond, honey and warm vanilla. Biscuits and cookies A big plate of cookies never goes amiss at an afternoon tea party. These chocolate fudge crinkle cookies are just the right size and perfect amount of sweetness to accompany a cup of tea or coffee. Make your table look extra-festive with these snowflake biscuits and adorable snowman biscuits. They could be made in advance and decorated by the kids as a fun activity. Get kids involved with the afternoon tea prep with our easy sparkling vanilla christmas cookies or Rudolph shortbread. More ambitious bakers will love the fun of creating these Christmas raspberry dodgers. For your plant-based guests, these vegan Christmas cookies bursting with pistachios and cranberries more than fit the bill. Our Christmas biscuits collection is a great place to look for more biscuit and cookie inspiration, with flavours of sweet spice, chocolate, almond and lovely gingerbread. Traybakes and brownies Making a traybake is always a smart move when catering for an afternoon filled with food and fun. Two baking giants combine to make these seriously festive red velvet blondies, or Christmassy mince pie brownies. Our best ever chocolate brownies that will certainly go down a treat, or a banoffee traybake filled with chocolate, banana and gooey toffee. Our chocolate traybake collection is full of afternoon tea-worthy baked treats, as well as our wider traybake recipe collection, with cakes full of fruity goodness, caramel and more. Discover more Christmas brownie recipes, then make one of our favourite mince pies recipes. More afternoon tea inspiration: Best afternoon tea sandwich ideas Afternoon tea for kids Vegan afternoon tea ideas Budget afternoon tea ideas Afternoon tea recipes with a twist Green tea with strawberry & peach Check out our afternoon tea reviews too... Best afternoon teas in London Best themed afternoon teas in London Best kids afternoon teas in London Best afternoon teas in the UK What would you make for a Christmas afternoon tea? Let us know in the comments below.
Delve into early summer flavours with our June recipes, including delicious meat- and fish-based dishes, plus vegetarian and vegan options and desserts.
Use our seasonal calendar to cook with the best produce at the right time of year – fresh, flavourful, and perfectly timed.
Add a personal touch to your Christmas gifts this year with a homemade drinks present, from warming tipples, to hot chocolate bombs and Christmas punch
We are often stuck for ideas on what to gift loved ones for Christmas, and forget what could be achieved with a bit of festive DIY. Whether it be craft gin, hot chocolate bombs, homemade bottles of mulled wine or long-life syrups, we've got you covered. Pair these drinks with edible treats, too; you can find gingerbread biscuits, caramels, truffles and other tasty gifts in our Christmas gift recipes collection. For speedy bakes and crafts, check out our quick Christmas gift recipes, which includes festive rocky roads, cookie kits, frosted nuts and chocolate barks. Find more festive tipple inspiration in our collection of Christmas cocktails and mocktails. Christmas gin Making your own gin has never been easier. Our two-step festive pink gin combines winter berry and spice flavours, and would make a great Christmas gift for a gin-lover. It will store well for a few months, so it can be made in batches, too. Our sloe gin matures and produces a strong fruity flavour. If you're after a more spice-forward warming drink, try our hot gin toddy made with citrus fruits, festive spices and juniper berries, or infuse gin with the flavours of Christmas with our gingerbread gin. Fancy something more adventurous? Our Christmas pudding gin combines all the flavours of season, including citrus, cloves, cinnamon, amaretto, vanilla, dark brown sugar and dried dates and figs. Flavoured vodka Flavoured vodka is also a very popular and versatile Christmas drink. Our chilli vodka takes 5 minutes to prepare and only requires two ingredients. Christmas pudding vodka is a big toast to the season's flavours, with a hint of brandy and amaretto, while our cranberry vodka is another seasonal sensation. Combine candy canes and vodka to make our easy candy cane vodka – serve chilled or use in a cocktail, such as our candy cane cocktail. All of these vodkas are easy to make and store, perfect for Christmas gifts. Alternatively, treat the cocktail lover in your life to a pre-mixed martini: our gingerbread martini offers heady sweet and spiced flavours, while our salted caramel martini combines vodka with Irish cream liqueur and salted caramel sauce to create a sweet-tasting tipple. You can find more in our flavoured vodka recipes collection. Christmas punch Christmas punch is an impressive centrepiece for a party. Flavours include apple, sloe gin, herbal liqueur, rosemary and ginger, and they can be made in advance to get ahead. If you're gifting, make sure to present the prosecco separately, as it could go flat. Decant into bottles and it's ready to be enjoyed. More inspiration comes from our mulled pear & cranberry punch made with cider, vanilla, fruity sloe gin and cinnamon sticks. Try our non-alcoholic Christmas punch for those who don't drink, which is made with white grape juice, ginger ale and sparkling water for fizz. Keeping with the botanical theme, our pomegranate & rosemary non-alcoholic punch uses alcohol-free gin, soda water, red wine vinegar, brown sugar, zesty orange and festive spices. Mulled wine Mulled wine is an essential Christmas drink, and can be decanted into bottles for a lovely gift. Our classic mulled wine should be made with a red wine that's light and fruity to allow the spices and lemon peel room to shine. Sweeten it with some sugar and add a splash of sloe gin for extra booziness, if you like. Another option is our easy mulled wine recipe, which includes dried figs, clementine, spices and brandy. Or, why not get crafting and create a mulled wine kit for the wine lovers in your life? It contains all the necessary ingredients for a wintry afternoon activity. Check out our collection of mulled wine recipes for more inspiration. For a fresher alternative to mulled wine, try making a Christmas sangria kit, which boasts a delicious mixture of red wine, Spanish brandy and festive spices. Or, treat your loved ones to this cranberry sangria, which combines cranberry juice and spices for a Christmassy feel. Hot chocolates Transform leftover jam jars with a snow globe hot chocolate kit. It's great fun to make with the kids, and doesn't require too much effort. A hot chocolate set would also definitely impress. Treat family to a festive mug and hot chocolate stirrer to be enjoyed on a cosy winter evening. Hot chocolate cones are an easy, adorable gift for friends and family, and the kids can help create them, too. Christmas syrups Christmas syrups are a tasty way to add extra-festive flavour to alcoholic drinks, hot chocolates and desserts. They would make a nice gift for a cocktail lover and those who enjoy rich, sweet flavours. Spiced apple syrup with clementine & cloves has a fiery note thanks to the spices, and can be mixed into wine and warmed apple juice. For a classic flavour combination, try our gingerbread syrup made from water, cinnamon and ginger – perfect for those who like to add yuletide cheer to their drinks or coffees. Christmas mocktails Celebrating the festive season doesn't have to involve copious amounts of alcohol. Instead, mark any occasion by mixing up a special Christmas mocktail for loved ones. Treat designated drivers to this shrub-inspired mocktail, offering refreshing flavours such as lemonade, cucumber, mint, ginger and apple, or turn your hand to this fizzy and fruity alcohol-free passion fruit martini, for all of the fun of a classic martini with none of the alcohol. Combining the classic mojito with Christmassy peppermint, this crowd-pleasing peppermint mojito is great for experimenting with different flavours. There's even the option for a comforting Irish cream liqueur minus the booze – it has all the same creaminess of the classic, plus espresso and spices. Also, try our coconut & vanilla milk bottle cocktail. For more Christmas drinks and gift ideas, follow the links below: Christmas drinks and cocktails recipes Non-alcoholic Christmas drinks Winter drinks Mulled drinks Christmas punch Christmas market recipes Homemade Christmas gift ideas Christmas gift ideas Top DIY Christmas crafts
Measuring cups make baking that little bit easier – especially when following American recipes. Read our review of the best measuring cups, from classic to budget options.
Measuring cups are a must-have for most bakers, used to measure ingredients such as oil, sugar and flour, when the amounts required exceed 50 millilitres or grams. Anyone following American recipes will be familiar with the 'cup' measurements, which is their standard unit of measurement. Having a set of cups will save you precious time and plenty of frustration trying to calculate the metric units for an American half cup of sugar or milk. Below are our favourite measuring cup sets, certain to inspire a spell in the kitchen, baking cakes, biscuits and more. Ranging in material, colour, design, functionality and price, they all provide accurate measurements and a fuss-free baking experience. Best measuring cups to buy at a glance Best overall measuring cups: Joseph Joseph nest measuring cup set, £12 Best classic measuring cups: OXO Good grips set of four, £29.62 Best measuring cups with comfortable handles: Ipow silicone handled set of five cups, £11.83 Best conveniently shaped measuring cups: KitchenCraft universal measuring set, £7.39 Best measuring cups on a budget: Tala white plastic set of seven, £5.99 Best measuring cups to buy in 2023 Joseph Joseph nest measuring cup set Latest Deals Best overall measuring cups From innovative brand Joseph Joseph, these measuring cups have metric, imperial and cup measurements, with a click-together design for easy storage. The ‘opal’ set is sleek and aesthetically pleasing and would make a great addition to anyone’s kitchen. The set isn’t too pricey and would make a nice gift for any budding chefs or bakers. Latest Deals OXO Good grips set of four cups Available from Amazon (£29.62) Best classic measuring cups With magnetic handles and thick stainless-steel bodies, these cups will add a professional touch to your kitchen. They'd make a great gift for a keen baker looking for high-quality equipment, as well as accurate measurements. Available from: Amazon (£29.62) Ipow silicone handled set of five cups Available from eBay (£11.83) Best measuring cups with comfortable handles In need of some heavy-duty, stainless steel measuring cups? These fit the bill and are even colour-coded. The set has clear handle engravings of metric and cup measurements, suitable for both dry and liquid ingredients, and are very easy to clean. They're stackable and have a large connecting ring, perfect for neat hanging. Available from: eBay (£11.83) KitchenCraft universal measuring spoon set Latest Deals Best conveniently shaped measuring cups With a great range of measurements, from a quarter of a teaspoon to one cup, this 10-piece set is uniquely shaped for easier access to jars and pots. They have clean edges for accurate measuring, and are also BPA-free, easy to clean and durable. Latest Deals Tala white plastic set of seven Best measuring cups on a budget This retro set of white measuring cups has seven different cup sizes, a handy egg separator and an ingredient scraper, featuring a useful measurement chart on the back for precise number conversions. The plastic is BPA-free and easy to clean. The cups can be hung on their ring or stacked in a cupboard. How to choose the best measuring cups Most measuring cups are made of strong, durable plastic or stainless steel, for that easy-clean and hard-to-bend quality. The best measuring cups, like measuring spoons, will give a range of standard measurements, from one cup to a half, quarter and third. They have sharp edging to ensure precise measurements. Read on for our picks of the best measuring cups to buy. For more unbiased expert buyer’s guides, visit our reviews section to find more than 400 round-ups of everything from the best bread makers and best food processors to the best slow cookers. Related reviews Best mixing bowls Best uni kitchen essentials Best kitchen scales Best baking gifts Best baking subscriptions Best silicone spatulas Best bread-making equipment Best spatulas for baking, tried and tested Best cake stands Best serving dishes and platters