My kitchen is filled with seemingly nondescript objects that mean a great deal to me: my mum’s wooden-handled fish slice and masher; her pans; the knives and forks I used while I was growing up; a tea

“Cooking for two on Valentine’s Day gives you a chance to make a bit more of an effort and seek out some special ingredients without breaking the bank. There’s a rhythm and calmness I love about cooki

■ Makes 16 ■ Prep 1 hr plus cooling and 10 mins chilling ■ Cook 12 mins 100g unsalted butter, softened175g caster sugar, plus extrafor sprinkling1 egg1 tsp vanilla paste200g plain flour, plus extrafor

MAKES 16 rectangles or 32 small squares PREP 30 mins plus cooling COOK 35 mins EASY V 200g butter, softened, plus extra for the tin200g peeled hazelnuts, toasted (see tip right)200g self-raising flour

All these recipes can be easily doubled and frozen to save you time and money – it’s the ultimate kitchen hack

You needn’t fill your basket to make tasty staples – or so says chef Theo Michaels, because the ingredients for your next delicious dinner are already at home