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

Prima ’s homes and food editor, Bella Evennett-Watts, shares her top advice and insider tips for this month

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

These days, a packet of Walker’s cheese and onion just won’t cut it. Victoria Moss hunts down the new foodie status

Pearl barley creates robust, nutty texture and, while it takes longer to cook than rice, it’s worth the effort. Dairy adds richness – we’ve gone for a triple hit with brown butter, mascarpone and goat