Rise and shine with a traditional Irish breakfast, from marmalade cake and banana muffins to waffles and wheaten farls

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.

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

Once the feasting ceases, and you’re craving something fresher and healthier, you can transform Christmas leftovers into nutritious and budget-friendly meals with ease using a few clever tweaks. 1 SOU

Test your foodie knowledge with this month’s crossword

by Harriet Lane (£20, HB, Orion) What lies beneath the image we construct of ourselves? Ruth, newly divorced and drifting as her daughter leaves home, feels invisible – until Sookie, her dazzling form