Get clear on your needs.

Gluten-free, lactose-free and dairy-free describe different things. Use the dietary advice you have been given, then check the labels on the ingredients you buy.

Make your kitchen easier to use.

Keep suitable ingredients labelled and sealed. Clean surfaces and utensils before cooking, and pay attention to shared condiments and crumbs.

Buy for a recipe, not an entire new pantry.

Choose one dish and read it before shopping. Note the exact type of flour blend, the yoghurt or drink used, any other allergens and the equipment you need.

• Check what you already have at home.
• Buy the amount you need while learning what works for you.
• Keep a note of the brand and product used, especially for baking.

Begin with something familiar.

Our vegetable soup has a short method. Béchamel is useful for several dishes. Pizza is a longer project for when you have time to let the dough rise.

Keep the notes that make the next attempt easier.

Write down the flour blend, tin size, oven setting, actual cooking time and what you would change next time. Change one thing at a time when experimenting.

These recipes are starting points. They are not presented as kitchen-tested by us unless a specific recipe says so.