CASSIE’S MOTHER’S DAY FAVOURITES

“When I first saw this cake in the test kitchen back in 2013, I was blown away by it – a simple exterior hides checkerboard battenberg sponges, flavoured with almond and rose”

Chicken, squash & pesto lasagne

There must be Italian blood hiding in my ancestry because lasagne is one of my all-time favourites. This one has a creamy pesto sauce, shredded chicken and a layer of squash. It’s just as hearty and flavourful as the classic but fresher and more interesting, texturally. I often cook it for Sunday lunch – it’s wonderful with a dressed green salad and some crusty bread.

SERVES 6 PREP 20 mins COOK 1 hr 5 mins EASY *

2 tbsp olive oil2 onions, chopped2 garlic cloves, crushed4 skinless chicken breasts1 tbsp plain flour600ml chicken stock500g mascarpone190g pestobunch of basil,1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into chunksgood grating of nutmeg12 lasagne sheets85g parmesan, grated splash of milk50g pine nuts