While the eggs are poaching, stir the thyme, liquid aminos and porcini and truffle paste into the mushrooms and cook for 1 minute. Stir through the ‘cream’ and chopped parsley, then taste and season with a little salt and pepper, if needed. Cook for a further five minutes before adding the chopped tomatoes, sugar, sweet pimentón, hot pimentón and a pinch of salt (don’t overseason at this point as the serrano or chorizo will release more salt when baking). Cook for 10 minutes over a low heat, then add the parsley. Don’t own a slow cooker? Don’t panic! The recipes in this book can be cooked either conventionally in the oven or in your slow cooker.

Put the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the garlic and fry for a few seconds before adding the chopped onion and the ham or chorizo. Cook for about five minutes and then add the asparagus and peas. Pour the mixture into the tin and level off with a few sharp taps. Add the two slices of banana, cut-side up, and bake for 50 minutes to an hour, covering loosely for the final 15 minutes to stop the top browning too much. You will know the cake is ready when a skewer inserted comes out clean. Season the lamb and sear in a very hot, dry, large, heavy-based casserole until golden. This is an important step because it will render away lots of the fat. Pour away most of the fat, then add the onion, carrot and rosemary and cook for five minutes, until softened.Meanwhile, griddle the courgette slices on a ridged pan for one to two minutes on each side, until charred. Set aside.

Slow cookers are often confined to heavy winter recipes made with stodgy ingredients and with poor nutritional content. Cook Slow: Light and Healthyshows you just how versatile your slow cooker can be with effortless, nourishing recipes inspired by dishes from around the world. Avoid boring 'diet food' and cook slow to create healthy, wholesome food for balanced eating.

Crispy Fried Caprese Gnocchi (serves 4)

Put the pineapple chunks and their juice, the mango, avocado, chia seeds (if using) and spinach into a high-speed blender and pour over 330ml coconut water. Add the ginger and mint and blend until smooth. Combine the flour, cream of tartar, bicarbonate of soda, sweetener, thyme leaves and lemon zest in a large bowl and make a well in the middle. To serve, spread the burrata on the toast, then spoon on some harissa. Top with the tomatoes, then sprinkle on a little more thyme to garnish. Spoon a layer of the mushroom mixture into your slow cooker. Top with a layer of the griddled courgettes, then some of the white sauce, then sprinkle over some of the grated Parmesan. Repeat until all these ingredients have been used up, but make sure you finish with a layer of white sauce scattered with cheese. Then add a layer of tomato slices, pop the lid on and cook on the high setting for four hours. Add the onion and garlic to the same pan and fry for three to four minutes. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, oregano and chilli powder and cook for another minute.

Carefully transfer the chilli braising liquid to your slow cooker, then add the ox cheeks and baste them. Cover with the lid and cook on the low setting for six hours. Slow cooking is not only the best method for transforming basic ingredients into something special, but there is a feeling of satisfaction that develops inside knowing that the work is done and the magic is happening in the pot. Ainsley Harriott’s brioche French toast with figs, hazelnuts & mascarpone Wake up to Ainsley Harriott’s decadent French toast (Ainsley Harriott’s Good Mood Food) Add the honey to the tagine to taste. Serve with herby couscous and a dollop of natural yogurt that has been spiked with harissa.I’ve used lamb breast instead of mince here, as it is an inexpensive cut of meat that’s perfect for slow cooking. Timings When it comes to his preferred style of cooking, Dean says he really likes home cooking and simple family meals. Slow cookers are often confined to heavy winter recipes made with stodgy ingredients and with poor nutritional content. Cook Slow: Light and Healthyshows you just how versatile your slow cooker can be with effortless, nourishing recipes inspired by dishes from around the world. Avoid boring ‘diet food’ and cook slow to create healthy, wholesome food for balanced eating. Meanwhile, add the asparagus spears to a pan of boiling salted water and simmer for 2–3 minutes until tender. Remove with tongs, drain and set aside; keep warm. Heat the oil in a large heavy-based casserole over a medium to high heat. Dust the meat with the flour, then add to the casserole in batches and seal for 5-6 minutes, until golden. Remove from the casserole and set aside.