Justin Woods, head chef at The Castle Green Hotel, Kendal, and Greenhouse restaurant

My meatballs with tomato sauce dish isn’t hitting the spot. The kids seem to like it but for me it could be better. Any tips?

Grace Sutherland, Broughton-in-Furness

My kids love meatballs, but I do try to make them a bit more adult without telling them, so I use a bit of chopped chilli, and maybe a little sprinkle of an amazing spice called 'ras el hanout' from North Africa, very fragrant and not too spicy. I would avoid freshly chopped herbs, my kids can spot a bit of chopped parsley in a dish from 10 paces! I would also make the meatballs with a mix of minced beef and minced pork, which gives the meatball a bit more moisture because using pure beef mince can make the meatballs a little dry. Serve them in plenty of sauce made from freshly chopped tomatoes, plenty of crushed garlic, chopped onions, cooked slowly over a low heat with plenty of good olive oil and salt and pepper. If you’re feeling brave, add some freshly chopped chilli as well. Serve with some steamed rice and a green salad.