The weather outside may be frightful, but this easy menu is delightful – and the perfect way to treat good friends

Pancakes are a timeless way to use up leftovers. Shrove Tuesday (17 Feb) is the day before the start of Lent (Ash Wednesday) – it was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before Lent’s fasting

Ingredients (Serves 8) ◆ 400g reduced fat soft cheese ◆ 250g lemon curd ◆ Finely grated rind and juice of 1 small lemon ◆ 12 readymade 18cm sweet pancakes ◆ 12 mini meringues ◆ 150g fresh raspberries

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 10 mins ■ Cook 20 mins 1 tbsp rapeseed oil1 onion, finely sliced4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs,cut into thick strips1-2 tbsp jerk seasoning1 green chilli, deseeded and sliced(op

Treat a special someone to a romantic meal

MAKES 4 PREP 15 mins plus 1 hr chilling COOK 8 mins EASY V 1 large Cox apple, peeled, cored and finely chopped (about 155g prepared weight)300g blackberries rapeseed oil, for the moulds6 slices of who