DIY series: When to make, when to buy
Is it always worth making your favourites from scratch? Our DIY series puts shop-bought and homemade to the test.
Whisks at the ready- can you make a fresh custard from eggs milk and cream to rival one from a tin?

DIY hummus - to make or to buy?
This chickpea dip can be whipped up at home in minutes- but does it pass the taste test?

DIY passata - to make or to buy?
It sieving dozens of tomatoes really worth the hassle, or does it make a world of difference on the flavour front?
DIY pastry - to make or to buy?
We tackle shortcrust pastry to see whether a manual approach beats rolling out a ready-made supermarket block.

DIY pesto - to make or to buy?
This basil sauce requires luxury ingredients but poured over pasta makes for a meal in minutes.
DIY salsa - to make or to buy?
Our tester tries out a smoky tomato chipotle chilli to see whether it beats shop-bought dips.