Cola-glazed ham is one of those pork recipes that sounds unusual right up until the moment you taste it, and then it makes complete, undeniable sense. A large bone-in ham is slow-roasted in a bath of cola and orange juice, and basted throughout cooking with a reduction of the same liquids combined with dark brown sugar and mustard until the surface turns into a deep, sticky, lacquered glaze that is simultaneously sweet, tangy, and lightly caramelised. The cola’s sugars reduce into a rich syrup, and its acidity balances the saltiness of the cured ham. What makes this Easter special recipe so good as a centrepiece dish is the contrast between the glaze and the meat beneath it. The exterior caramelises into a crackling, sticky coating while the interior stays moist and juicy, which is a direct result of the covered roasting method that steams the ham in the cola bath before the foil comes off for the final high-heat basting stages. Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern before it goes in the oven serves two purposes – it gives the glaze the maximum surface area to cling to, and makes the cola-glazed ham instantly recognisable on a holiday table. This recipe produces generous leftovers, and cola-glazed ham may be even better the next day, sliced cold with mustard, layered into sandwiches, or pan-fried with eggs. It keeps well refrigerated for up to a week and freezes well for up to three months.

Collagen-rich chicken bone broth is a deeply nourishing, therapeutic liquid packed with nutrients, amino acids, and concentrated collagen that helps skin, joint, and gut health. This recipe is liquid gold that combines collagen-rich chicken parts – feet and wings – to create a broth that gels firmly when cooled, indicating a high gelatin content. Chicken feet are known to contain the highest concentration of collagen and glucosamine. Slow-simmered for 12-24 hours with apple cider vinegar to extract minerals and collagen, this broth is superior to store-bought versions. Rich in glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and essential amino acids like glycine and proline, it supports joint health, reduces inflammation, aids digestion, promotes youthful skin, and boosts immunity.

Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Wings rely on dry seasoning, a light flour coating, and precise oil temperature to create crisp skin without heaviness. Lemon zest seasons the meat before frying, while lemon juice and butter finish the wings after cooking. This sequence keeps the coating crunchy and the citrus flavour sharp, not acidic or soggy.