Check out our best lockdown baking ideas for more sweet inspiration for cinnamon rolls, banana bread, top-notch cookies and more.

Best lockdown foodie projects

Fabulous fermentation

Explore the world of fermentation with our expert guide. Experiment with preserving your favourite veggies, or start with a quick pickle to add some zing to your dinner. Our easy dill pickles are the perfect finishing touch to your weekend burger.

Go one step further and try our simple homemade kimchi, a Korean classic made using a selection of fermented vegetables. This deliciously spicy and sour condiment is filled with flavour. Or, expand your drinks collection and learn how to make kombucha at home.

Master mixology

Missing your favourite bar and signature tipple? Learn to make them at home with our easy cocktail recipes. Relax with a minty mojito, a punchy negroni or shake up your night with an espresso martini. Foregoing the booze? Try our easy mocktail recipes and pack in all the flavour and none of the hangover, or make your own cordials with our ideas.

Take your home-based happy hour to the next level with our drinks video tutorials.

Bake sourdough bread

Expand your baking expertise and learn how to make fresh sourdough bread, complete with golden-brown crust and that characteristic bubbly texture. Begin your journey with our best sourdough starter recipe. Learn how to feed it, and the best environment to keep it in tip top shape. Then, try our easy sourdough recipe, and learn how to bake the perfect loaf every time with our step-by-step guide. Once you've made your first loaf, you'll never look back. Got leftover starter? Make our sourdough pancakes for an indulgent brunch.

Make your own preserves

Now you've made your own bread, you need something to slather over it. Check out our ultimate expert guide to preserving, including equipment you'll need, tips for getting started and some delicious flavour combinations to try. Treat yourself to something fruity on your morning toast with our best jam recipes. Brighten up the winter months and turn zesty citrus fruits into homemade marmalade. Our easy chutney recipes make mouthwatering homemade gifts, though make sure to keep a jar for yourself.

Three jars of open marmalade with a spoon on the side

Stock your storecupboard

Make your own storecupboard staples from scratch – seasonings, sauces and stocks can all be whipped up at home in an afternoon. You'll thank yourself later.

Make a bottle of homemade BBQ sauce for your burgers and bangers, or a bottle of fiery homemade sriracha to add some spice to your midweek meal. Take your curry game up a notch with our Thai red curry paste, nothing compares to the fragrant spices in this easy recipe. Experiment with adding extra flavour to your dishes with our thrifty herb oil or a dash of chilli-infused oil.

Learn how to ice cupcakes

Put the final flourish on your bite-sized bakes and learn how to ice cupcakes with our simple video tutorial. Don't have the equipment to hand? Never fear, learn how to make a piping bag at home with a sheet of baking paper and some scissors.

Try out your new-found piping skills with our best cupcake recipes.

Make homemade pasta

Doing things from scratch may take a little longer, but it's super satisfying and let's face it, homemade always tastes better. Try our basic pasta dough and make fresh lasagne sheets or tagliatelle, or experiment with stuffed ravioli or creamy cacio e pepe with our best homemade pasta recipes.

Grow your own herbs

Exercise your green fingers and learn how to grown your own herbs and salad from the experts at BBC Gardener's World – it's easier than you think. Enjoy the fruits of your labour in a simple salad, perfect for summer side dishes.

Try making a homemade pizza

A golden crust, flavourful sauce and bubbling cheesy topping, who could resist a slice of this family favourite? Create a feast of Italian-inspired flavours and master the art of making the perfect pizza. Start with our basic pizza dough, it takes just four ingredients to make. Customise your creations with our best ever pizza recipes and terrific topping ideas.

Salami Pizza Recipe with Taleggio and Garlic Greens

Bake one of our showstopping cake recipes

Go beyond the humble Victoria sponge with our truly epic sweet creations. Whether you're a confirmed chocoholic or craving something seasonal and fruity, we have the perfect cake to fit the bill.

Make some easy homemade dog treats

Treat your pampered pooch to these peanut butter flavoured biscuits, made with just five key ingredients. Your furry friend is guaranteed to love these crunchy treats. A batch will last in an airtight jar for up to two weeks, depending on how generous you're feeling.