Chicken kyiv may be a retro classic but I’d forgotten just how delicious and comforting they are. This was a birthday request meal from a few weeks ago and I discovered when coming up with the recipe that the secret to a great chicken kyiv is the butter - it really is a case of the more butter the better. It’s the type of meal I never make but it’s the perfect weeknight comforting dinner on these dark, wintry nights.

I decided to make this chicken, chorizo and prawn paella to bring some sunshine back into our lives during these cold winter nights. Full disclaimer - I know that chorizo is not in traditional Spanish paella recipes and is a very sensitive and contentious issue… However, I LOVE the flavour of chorizo in my paellas so couldn’t resist including it in my recipe! It gives such a nice smoky heat to the sauce which is just too yummy. Sometimes I find paellas too dry so my recipe is saucier than it should be traditionally but this is just how I prefer it.

This is a bowl which just feels like it’s nourishing you from the inside out with every mouthful. Full of fresh, clean flavours and lots of texture - it’s quick, tasty and healthy. The broccoli recipe is from Ottolenghi’s Simple and is one of my favourites - a must try. This is a staple dish in our kitchen and I hope it will become one of yours too.

This is one of my favourite recipes I’ve made recently and would make a great alternative to your Sunday roast. The flavours are also quite festive and Christmassy. The spiced chicken thighs with the sweetness of the orange and pomegranate glaze were so tasty and the rice was buttery and rich with saffron, nuts and dried fruits. The carrots were roasted in a mixture of spices and topped with pistachios, dukkah and fruity pomegranates. The creamy dill tahini yoghurt underneath really made the dish - this is definitely a side that could go with anything.

A refreshing watermelon and feta salad with some mouth-wateringly succulent marinaded chicken thighs. I love the addition of fruit in salads, and the crisp, sweet juiciness of watermelon chunks with salty crumbled feta, kalamata olives and a light lemon, balsamic and honey dressing is hard to beat.

Calling all nduja lovers - this recipe is for you. Nduja salami paste is one of my favourite ingredients and this is one of my favourite recipes I’ve posted so far. Serve with flatbreads to mop up all the lovely juices.