Tasty, good for you and unbelievably versatile, eggs are one of the most quietly heroic ingredients out there, says Giovanna Ryan

■ Serves 8 ■ Prep 30 mins plus 10 mins resting ■ Cook 1 hr 500g kale, thick stalks discarded and roughly chopped1 tbsp each butter and olive oil2 onions, chopped3 garlic cloves, finely chopped750g ric

Pop these delicious meals in the middle of the table so everyone can serve themselves. What’s not to love?

■ Makes 12 ■ Prep 10 mins ■ Cook 20 mins 350g plain flour25g butter50g dark muscovado sugar, plus 1 tbsp extra50g pecans, chopped2 tsp baking powder½ tsp bicarbonate of soda1 tsp cinnamon3 eating appl

For Cherie Denham , growing up on an Irish farm meant new-laid eggs featured in most family meals. Today, she whisks them into cakes, curds and custards to evoke a comforting taste of home

This rich tart makes a lovely dish for a spring lunch – serve with a crisp green salad. SERVES 6 | PREP 20 MINS | COOK 1 HR 10 MINS | EASY 250g shortcrust pastry2 smoked haddock fillets knob of butter