Prima ’s homes and food editor, Bella Evennett-Watts, shares her top advice and insider tips for this month

Once you’ve made the creamy leek sauce for the pie, you can add any cooked meat you fancy or cooked mushrooms and squash for a veggie version. ■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 10 mins ■ Cook 50 mins 300g cooked chic

Serve this super savoury dish fondue-style, with plenty of tasty picky bits for dunking. SERVES 6 PREP 15 MINS COOK 40 MINS ✱ 500g baby potatoes, halved✱ 2tbsp oil✱ 150g soft cheese✱ 60g Cheddar, grat

The lull between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to slow down and keep things simple in the kitchen. These comforting, budget-friendly ideas make the most of what you already have at home.

■ Serves 6 ■ Prep 20 mins ■ Cook 2 hrs 10 mins 1 tbsp olive oil750g lamb neck, cut into chunks4 carrots, cut into chunks1 red onion, cut into wedges400ml chicken stock, plus extrafor the couscous400g

This is the perfect time to clear out any cupboard clutter, but keep or buy these three essential pieces of kit to help you cook smarter and waste less this year. 1 ‘GRATE’ SUCCESS A good-quality fine