What can you cook for lunch or dinner when you only have only 5 minutes or so to spare?

Out of necessity, as I've been home with a bad back, I've discovered my top 3 fast winter warmers:

Pea Soup Bring 3 cups of frozen peas to the boil with 1-2 tBsp of liquid chicken stock and a spring of mint if you've got any.

Cook for 5 minutes then take off the heat, remove the mint and blend with a hand held blender (or traditional blender) and season well with lots of freshly ground black pepper. If you've got it, this soup is all the better for a spoonful of creme fraiche or sour cream. Serve with hot buttered toasted bread.

Cheesy Herby Polenta Quick cook polenta is so easy but not healthy in this quick cook cheesy version! NB Follow the instructions on your polenta packet for wet polenta. Bring 1 cup of boiling water with 1 tBsp liquid chicken stock (or 1 cup fresh stock) to the boil and pour in the polenta whilst stirring continuously with a wooden spoon. As the water evaporates (this takes literally 2 minutes so be prepared), add 30-50g butter cubed and 2-3 tBsp finely grated cheddar or parmesan, stirring for another minute then removing from the heat.

Add 2-3 tBsp chopped fresh herbs - I like parlsey and lots of salt and pepper and you're ready to serve! This cheesy herby polenta is good with a crisp salad to balance out the richness and give some crunch.

Bacon and hash brown brunch Place rashers of bacon onto a rack in a foil-lined tray and bake in the oven, circa 180-200 degrees C, for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, peel 1-2 medium potatoes and grate coarsley. Rinse the grated potato thoroughly in a sieve, washing away the starch. Dry thoroughly, really pressing down with paper towels or emptying into a tea towel and pressing down to soak up as much moisture as you can.

Place the grated potato into a mixing bowl and add: 1 beaten egg, salt, pepper, chopped herbs if you have some (chives are great) and mix together.

In a non-stick frying pan, melt some butter and olive oil on a medium high heat. Spread all the mixture into the heated pan, spreading it out so it is flat and covering the entire pan. Let it cook for 4 minutes then lift an edge and check to see if the hash has browned enough - I like mine very crispy.

With a fish slice, turn the hash and cook for another 4 -5 minutes, before seasoning again and serving with bacon and your choice of eggs, tomatoes etc! A great addition to brunch.