Get savvy with your sides

This could be the recipe you need to convert all sprout sceptics. It combines two of my favourite ingredients: brussels and bacon. I make extra so I can turn leftovers into bubble and squeak for Boxin

I cannot overemphasise how utterly sublime Brussels sprouts cooked this way taste: the leaves charred and crisp, then tumbled in a sticky sweet-and-sour sauce of mashed dates and balsamic vinegar… the

Polenta base MAKES 16-24 PREP 10 mins plus 1 hr cooling COOK 25 mins EASY V 2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for the tin 500ml vegetable or chicken stock 125g quick-cook polenta 40g parmesan or vegetarian

Turn fries into dinner with this loaded sweet potato and parsnip fries recipe. Topped with crispy bacon, a creamy blue cheese sauce and tangy pickled cabbage, this is a meal everyone can enjoy. Serves

We’ve upped the flavour stakes on these by adding a simple seasoning that also brings a bit more crunch. SERVES 6-8 PREP 10 mins COOK 1 hr 30 mins EASY VE ❄ 2kg Maris Piper or King Edwardpotatoes6 tbs

SERVES 4-6 PREP 20 mins plus cooling COOK 50 mins EASY 1 medium pumpkin or butternutsquash2 tbsp olive or rapeseed oilpinch of Aleppo chilli flakes, plusextra to serve (optional)3 tbsp maple syrup100g