Spicy Biscuits

These are particularly well-suited to Christmas, but good all year round. Especially if you have fun shaped biscuit cutters!

110g soya margarine

140g caster sugar

1 tbsp soy milk (water would do too if you don't have soy milk handy)

250g plain flour (a gluten-free blend works just as well)

1 level tbsp soy flour

1 tsp mixed spice

1 tsp cinnamon

1. Cream margarine and sugar together

2. Beat in the soy milk or water

3. Sift together the plain flour, soy flour, cinnamon and mixed spice and gradually stir in to the margarine and sugar mixture

4.Knead the dough well

5. Roll out onto a floured surface, cut into shapes with biscuit cutters, lay out on a greased baking tray and bake at 180°C for about 15 minutes until golden

Lentil Bolognese

This recipe makes enough bolognese for about 6 portions... But it keeps well in the fridge and freezes fine too. It's also very versatile... The basic recipe works as spaghetti bolognese, as a filler in lasagne, or with rice / mashed potatoes etc...

1 red onion
2 cloves garlic
3 medium sized carrots
200g red lentils
500ml vegetable stock
2 tins chopped tomatoes
4 tbsp tomato puree
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp marjoram
couple of bay leaves

1. Chop the onion, crush the garlic and fry gently in a little oil for about 5 mins

2. Grate the carrots, add to the onion and garlic and fry for a few more mins until soft.

3. Add the lentils (remember to soak first if necessary, depending on the instructions on the packet) and the vegetable stock. Cover and boil rapidly for 10 mins.

4. Add the remaining ingredients (tomatoes, tomato puree and herbs) and simmer for about half an hour, until the bolognese is at the right consistency.

And it's as easy as that :)