Having a few blocks of pastry in the freezer can be handy. I generally buy pre-made puff pastry as it is very tricky and time-consuming to get right in a domestic kitchen.

Dark chocolate works well with mint, milk chocolate not so much.

You'll have lots of these ingredients already: milk, cereal, honey

A tiny bit of salt is necessary in almost all baking.

Peaches, nectarines, plums cherries and apricots are all related. You can substitute one for the other in any of these recipes.

Chocolate and raspberries or chocolate and cherries make a great combination

Recipes using fruit and other ingredients grown here in Ireland adds up to low air miles, in-season and better taste

Chocolate ricotta cheesecake can be prepared in advance so you can chill while it's chilling

We have recipes for egg-free meringues and 'traditional' meringues right here

Plus decadent brownies to serve with coffee