LEARN from the Masterchefs with a new book of simple family-friendly recipes. MasterChef EveryDay (£20) takes inspiration from the hit TV programme with John Torode and Gregg Wallace donning the white apron and adapting some of the best recipes from the show into delicious, simple dishes you can create in your own kitchen.

Featuring more than 130 inspiring recipes from the 2011 amateur and celebrity series, including Hollyoaks actor Nick Pickard’s warm treacle tart, Liverpool actress Margi Clarke’s classic marianna fish pie and Aigburth health-care worker Paul Elder’s bread-crusted mackerel with rhubarb sauce.

Paul says: “Since the show I’ve been helping Masterchef: the Professionals winner Claire Lara on a range of events and functions. My next food challenge is setting up a farmers’ market stall selling French and English patisserie.”

MasterChef Everyday is out on February 5.

THIS Valentine’s Day Blakes restaurant at Hard Days Night Hotel has combined its culinary expertise with science to create an aphrodisiac menu for food lovers.

Blakes will be serving up a six-course candlelit dinner for £42.50 a head, from with each option featuring ingredients known for their aphrodisiac properties.

Head Chef Robert Mangan says: “Crab meat, like oysters, contains high levels of zinc which is a known stimulant for the prostate, whereas the reputation of avocado as an aphrodisiac dates back to 200 BC when it was reportedly used by the Mayans and Aztecs to enhance sexual desirability.”