Make your weekend special

Let your slow cooker do all the hard work with these comfort food classics

Often, it’s the supporting roles that command the most attention – like these glorious starters, sides and sauces

SERVES 4 Ingredients Low-calorie cooking spray300g minced lamb1 red onion, peeled and sliced1 red pepper, deseededand sliced400g tin chopped tomatoes2 tbsp tomato puree1 tbsp granulated sweetener1 tbs

■ Serves 4 as a snack ■ Prep 15 mins ■ Cook 45 mins 2 large onions, sliced2 tsp sunflower oil1 tsp brown sugar100g cheddar, grated1 tbsp American-stylemustard, plus extra to serve200g corn tortilla ch

SERVES 4 Ingredients 3-4 sweet potatoes 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp soy sauce 4 tbsp olive oil 2 tsp sea salt 4-5 thyme sprigs, leaves picked 80g bacon lardons 120ml soured cream 1 tbsp milk 1 lime, ½ j

Keep the stress (and cost!) of festive entertaining in check with prep-ahead freezer meals you can pull out as needed