Be careful to choose vanilla extract that is labeled as "pure" as opposed to the synthetic varieties. Vanilla essence is a stronger version of vanilla extract and only a couple of drops are required for a similar result.

The key to poached eggs is using a fresh egg. Bring to the boil 1.5 litres of water with a teaspoon of vinegar. When the water is simmering swirl the water to create a whirlpool. Crack your egg into a cup and gently slip the egg into the centre of the whirlpool.

For the perfect mash boil or steam floury potatoes until tender. Drain and cover with a clean tea towel to dry out. Meanwhile warm cream or milk and butter gently in a small saucepan. Peel away potato skin and press through a potato mill into a clean pot. Beat in milk mixture.

When compiling a cheese plate try to think of a combination of flavours as well as textures (sharp, pungent, crumbly, soft). This creates contrast as well as providing variety for your guests. Consider sweet additions such as cut apples, muscatels or honey.

Pierce the thigh of your chicken with a skewer to determine it is cooked through. This is the thickest part of the bird, and if the juices run clear (with no blood) you will know it is cooked.

To melt chocolate break it into small pieces and place in a large heatproof bowl suspended over a small saucepan of just simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl is not touching the water. Stir constantly and remove as soon as all the chocolate is melted.

Try to use the same sort of fat as is used for the cake mixture. Smear the fat evenly all over the inside of the tin (making sure you get into the corners) using a piece of absorbent kitchen paper.

You can substitute baking soda for baking powder (but not vice versa) with the addition of cream of tartar. Simply mix two parts cream of tartar with one part baking soda.

To convert plain flour into self-raising add 4 level teaspoons of baking powder to every 300g (2 cups) of plain flour.

Using the left over chicken carcass from your roast will provide you with a good starting point for a simple chicken stock. Through in any spare stock vegetables: such as carrot, onion, celery or parsley stalks. Cover in water, bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer for an hour.

Adding liquid (such as stock or water) to a pan where food has been sautéed or roasted will help to dissolve the caramelised juices stuck to the bottom. This is a great way to make gravy as it allows for the flavours of the roast to permeate the sauce.

Never serve roasted meat straight out of the oven. Instead allow the meat to rest in a warm place, loosely covered with foil, for around 20 minutes, This will allow the juices to redistribute evenly among the meat, rather than escaping onto the plate when the meat is carved.

If you have Yorkshire puddings left over from a Sunday roast, serve with ice-cream and jam for dessert.

Incorporate cold leftover vegetables from a previous meal (traditionally the Sunday roast) into bubble and squeak. Chop vegetables (and cold chopped meat if you have it) and combine with mashed potato. Fry the fritters until the mixture is well-cooked and brown on the sides.

When making a pot of tea, always warm the teapot first, by adding hot water to the teapot. When the pot is warm, discard the water and add the tea leaves. The general rule is one teaspoon of tea for each guest and one for the pot.

Bring your ingredients (egg, milk and flour) to room temperature before combining. This will help the puddings to rise in the oven, as the warmth will create the steam earlier, thus creating the puff in the puddings.

Using a meat thermometer helps to determine precisely when the beef is cooked to rare. Simply insert the thermometer into the centre of the thickest part of the beef (avoiding the bone, fat and gristle), it will be cooked to rare when it is 50°C, medium-rare will be 55°C, medium is a little over 60°C.

For a simple Devonshire tea make lemonade scones by combining 3 cups of self-raising flour, 1 cup of cream and 1 cup of lemonade. Bake in a moderate oven until golden on top.