James Martin served up the ultimate macaroni cheese with pancetta dish for the festive season on Home Comforts at Christmas.

James says: “This indulgent mac ‘n’ cheese is a substantial standalone meal – or serve with slow-cooked or roast meat dishes.”

The ingredients for the macaroni cheese: 300g dried macaroni, 40g butter, 40g plain flour, 500ml milk, 100g blue cheese, preferably mild gorgonzola, grated or finely diced, 150g cheddar, grated, 100g Caerphilly, grated, ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste, 90g pancetta, chopped, 100g mozzarella, chopped, 75g fresh breadcrumbs, 25g freshly grated Parmesan and large handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, to serve.

For the salad: 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard, 1 tbsp white wine vinegar, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 head Romaine lettuce, cut into chunks and sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.