Soft, fragrant and packed with pistachios, real Turkish delight is nothing like the dusty Christmas tin. What it is made of, the varieties worth knowing and how to read a label before you buy.

Five things that survive a school bag until half twelve and come back as an empty box. A simple structure, gelatine-free snack swaps and batch prep tips for halal lunchboxes children actually eat.

A thick, dark, sweet and sour syrup that costs about the same as a jar of pesto and changes twice as many dishes. What it is, how to use it, and what to check on the label before you buy.