It's about this time each year I'm reminded that having a low-fuss, mid-week meal isn't just about finding quick and simple recipes. It's also about being organised, and knowing that if you plan your day right, a few hours pottering about on a lazy Sunday afternoon will not only get books read and the housework done, but produce something as wonderful and delicious as this immensely comforting lamb shank broth.

Sustaining and ever so simple, it means lots of meals with minimum effort, all frozen away and ready to be pulled out when you get home late on that cold weekday evening.

A little bit of warmth for the soul.