Thankfully, it’s nearly time to wave goodbye to January, and welcome a bit of craic back into the kitchen. Our February issue hits the shops this Thursday 22nd, and it’s filled with enough flavour-packed recipes to keep you very, very well-fed, the whole way through the month. Read on to find out what’s inside…

1. Donal’s back

Returning guest editor Donal Skehan is back in the Easy Food Test Kitchen — virtually, of course — sharing even more of his always-fantastic quick and easy meal ideas.

2. Culture club

For new ways to enjoy a familiar favourite, we’re using plain yoghurt in everything from flatbreads and cakes to marinades and sauces — like in this spicy chicken curry.

3. Don’t chicken out

As always, our goal is to solve the daily “what’s for dinner?” conundrum. In this issue, Ireland’s favourite protein gets a welcome makeover with a selection of inventive new ways to enjoy chicken fillets; we’ve got our usual quota of quick and easy midweek meals, too.

4. Love is in the air

We may all be destined to spend Valentine’s Day at home this year, but there’s no reason your  meal should be any less special. We’ve pulled together an easy menu made for two to bring a touch of romance to your evening. 5. Up for a challenge?

If you’re on the hunt for a weekend project with delicious results, our homemade samosas will hit the nail on the head. Enjoy them as a handy snack or part of an Indian-themed lunch or dinner spread.

6. Perfect pork

Our butcher pal Michael Fleming is giving us the lowdown on buying and cooking different cuts of pork, while Deputy Editor Jocelyn Doyle is telling us about the best pork she’s eaten in a long time — the fabulous Velvet Pork from Andarl Farm in Co. Galway.

7. Kale-ing me softly

We’re still on a major veg buzz after January, and were unreasonably excited to create some flavour-packed ways to enjoy in-season kale. This beautiful winter salad is just one way to add more kale to your diet — from creamy, cheesy pizza to comforting risotto, there’s something for everyone.

8. Green machine

You’ll also find lunches and dinners specifically designed to maximise your veggie intake. With droolworthy ideas like this crispy egg salad, you won’t even notice how healthy those meals are.

9. Herb your enthusiasm

With woody herbs in season, we’ve been going back to basics with the good old-fashioned bouquet garni. This herby pot-roasted chicken with beans and veg is the ultimate comfort food for those cold evenings.

10. La cucina povera

You’ll love our collection of traditional peasant food recipes from around Western Europe: hearty, wholesome and full of veg, these are ideal family feeds that are sure to “put hair on your chest”.

11. Keep it sweet

After all that veg, you’ll want something sweet! Food Stylist Shannon has been adding coffee to her baked goods for gorgeous depth of flavour. Just look at these buns!

12. Rule of three

We’ve been busy experimenting with three-ingredient bakes, making it easier than ever to treat yourself. The secret ingredient in these cupcakes? Ice cream!

13. Let them eat pancake

As always, we’ve been getting creative with some superb new ideas for Pancake Tuesday. Whether you like ’em sweet or savoury, classic or over-the-top, French-style or all-out American, and for breakfast or dinner, there’s a stack for you.

The February issue of Easy Food is in shops from Thursday, January 22nd — don’t miss out!