Dishes you should be able to make by

EGGS BENEDICT CHOC CHIP COOKIES CHOCOLATE CAKE CREAMY PASTA CARBONARA BURGERS

Eggs Benedict is the king of breakfast. Eggs are a staple in many cuisines, so you should know how to cook with them effortlessly. It’s all about creating that golden yolk and smothering those perfectly poached eggs in creamy hollandaise sauce. It’ll fast become your favourite weekend breakfast, with the added bonus of not having to line up for hours at a cafe to order them! And for all those who struggle to poach an egg, here’s how to master it like a pro without using cling wrap.

HOW TO POACH AN EGG

1 Firstly, pop the kettle on.

2 Add a decent splash of white vinegar to a heavy-based saucepan.

3 Pour your boiled water into the pot over a high heat and then bring the water back to a rapid boil.

4 Once boiling, turn the heat down to medium, and with a dessert spoon start swirling the water around until it creates a whirl pool.

5 Crack your egg into the centre of the pot from close range and watch it get whisked around. Cook for about 2 minutes for soft poached and 4 minutes for harder poached.

Sure, buying a packet of biscuits from the supermarket is convenient, but baking your own choc chip cookies can be very rewarding. Crunchy on the outside and fudgy in the centre ... my goodness, someone just get us a cuppa now.

If you haven’t already, it’s time you learnt how to bake the best chocolate cake ever or the easiest mud cake. Not only is it a family favourite with its moist centre and dreamy icing, but you’ll be making it for years to come.

HANDY CAKE BAKING TIPS 1 Ensure all of your ingredients are at room temperature.

2 You can substitute milk for yoghurt, or sour cream if you’re feeling adventurous.

3 A pinch of salt brings out the flavours in baked sweets more.

SECRETS TO PERFECTING COOKIES 1 Butter and eggs should be at room temperature.

2 White sugar provides crunch, brown sugar brings chewiness.

3 The addition of cornflour to your cookie dough will also help create a fudgy centre.

So you’ve already mastered spaghetti and meatballs, but does your pasta knowledge extend as far as creamy pasta carbonara? This dish is rich and creamy, and jam-packed with flavour, making it the perfect midweek dinner for kids and adults alike.

THE PERFECT PASTA TIPS

1 Salt the water before cooking pasta as this will prevent the pasta from sticking together.

2 Pour whisked egg yolks over the top of pasta once it’s cooked and taken off heat to avoid scrambling.

3 Add parmesan cheese to the bowl and into the sauce before mixing the pasta through to get a creamier texture.

Sometimes, all you need is a burger to satisfy your junk-food cravings. So to save yourself a few calories and expand your cooking abilities, why not try making them yourself? They’re easy and satisfying, and make a perfect Friday night meal.

BEEF-UP YOUR BURGERS

1 Choose a fattier beef for a juicier burger. The leaner the meat, the drier the patty.

2 Season the patty well with salt and pepper.

3 It’s all about the bun, too, so choose a good one.

4 Melt the cheese over the patty in the pan for a better eating experience.