EVERYONE likes a decent, slap-up meal.

The problem in today’s faltering economy, however, is that good food costs money, which many people cannot afford.

Luckily, as part of The Bolton News’ Beat The Crunch campaign — launched last Saturday in a bid to help readers save pennies in uncertain times — we have teamed up with top chef Paul Heathcote to offer a solution.

The Farnworth-born culinary expert, who owns a portfolio of top restaurants in the North-west, has agreed to create and prepare four dishes for families on a budget.

We will print details of one dish every Friday for the rest of the month - today's is on Page 3 of the paper.

There will also be an accompanying instructional video shot at Paul’s Olive Press kitchens in Bolton, uploaded to our website.

Today’s dish is a simple smoked haddock, pea and mushroom risotto.

Paul said: “This is a classic dish, really simple to make, and shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.

“It is packed full of nutrients and costs just over £1.50 per person to make. Great value for good food.”

Food prices may be going up — recent figures suggest the average family will spend £1,000 more this year than in 2007 — but the ingredients for this week’s dish cost just £6.44 and will make enough for four people.

For those people who do have a bit of cash to spare and are planning a night out, we have a great offer.

Paul has agreed to give a free glass of wine to every diner eating a special from the new fish and grill menu at The Olive Press, Bolton.

He said: “The offer is one of four I have put together for people who are looking to treat themselves with a night out.”

For more information about Paul’s restaurants, visit heathcotes.co.uk To see the video of Paul cooking today’s dish, visit theboltonnewsco.uk/news/beatthecrunch