Why not make this year’s Christmas cake in a slow cooker? You’ll save on energy costs and be rewarded with a delicious cake that’s full of plump dried fruit and cherries. SERVES 18-20 PREP 15 minsplus

These slow-cooked dinners are delicious – and a doddle to make

MAKES 16-20 pieces PREP 20 mins plus 3 hrs chilling COOK 8 mins EASY 50g butter, plus extra for the tin400g blonde white chocolate (or use500g regular white chocolate),broken into pieces100g white cho

Need midweek meal inspiration? These recipes have a little something for everyone, and are ready in 60 minutes or less

■ Serves 10 ■ Prep 30 mins plus setting and overnight chilling ■ Cook 15 mins 4 tbsp custard powder2 tbsp caster sugar500ml double cream2 raspberry swiss rolls, cut into2cm-thick slices200g fresh or f

■ Serves 10 ■ Prep 10 mins ■ Cook 1 hr 45 mins 2 tbsp olive oil2 tbsp butter2 red onions, grated2 garlic cloves, crushed2 tbsp grated ginger1 red cabbage, tough stalkdiscarded and finely sliced1 cooki