Spice girls

Often, it’s the supporting roles that command the most attention – like these glorious starters, sides and sauces

The humble tinned tomato always brings its A-game to the kitchen, whether you’re knocking up an easy sofa supper or making meatballs worth a marriage proposal

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 5 mins ■ Cook 20 mins 5 tbsp olive oil1 tsp smoked paprika1 tsp cumin seeds400g can cherry tomatoes200g fresh cherry tomatoes2 garlic clovessmall bunch of parsleysmall bunch of basil

This speedy bistec ranchero is something my mum mastered very well, mainly because she really doesn’t like cooking! So, when my dad wasn’t able to cook for us, she would make this: thin steak strips,

Quick and simple dinners that fill you up

They all started out on different paths – from sales offices to science labs – but each of these professional bakers found purpose and joy in baking. Here, they tell Jill Foster why it has become a passion that continues to nourish their souls