Autumn

Delight the family this weekend with these fluffy buttermilk pancakes topped with sweet syrupy pears. It makes for a lovely start to the day.

Beef and mushroom make a delicious pair in this herby, slow-cooked stew.

Sweet apple, pear and fig sit beneath a crispy filo pastry lid in this delicious autumnal pie.

Impress your guests this autumn with this simple, stunning dessert. The addition of thickened cream sweetened with maple syrup rather than the usual sugar is simply perfect.

A wonderful spiced chicken with all the flavours of Portugal. Basted with a chilli, garlic, paprika and oregano paste then stuffed with lemon and thyme, this chicken is fragrant, moist, tender and spicy.

Slow cooked beef pot roast with root vegetables has the house smelling gorgeous all afternoon.

A fresh herb crust for lamb takes an already-succulent meat to the next level. This coating leaves out the breadcrumbs, so when you tuck in, the coating won’t crumble off, and you can savour every mouthful. All it needs is a simple side of smashed potatoes.

This is warming comfort food at its best. Don’t let the long cooking time put you off. You’ll spend very little time at the stove before the pan goes in the oven.

Autumn figs and blue cheese combine beautifully with hot steak, asparagus and brandy gravy.