A SMOOTHIE could be a great alternative to predictable breakfast cereals or toast and tea. (According to a YouGov survey, 29% of us eat a bowl of cereal, and 17% have toast and jam or a spread).

One recipe inspired by Farmhouse Breakfast Week (www.farmhousebreakfast.com) is a delicious Apple and Cinnamon Milkshake which serves four and takes just 15 minutes to prepare.

Use 600g eating apples e.g. Coxs, peeled, cored and sliced; 60g clear honey, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, zest of half a lemon,75g porridge oats, 150g low fat natural yoghurt and 600ml semi-skimmed milk

Place the apples, honey, cinnamon, 3 tbsp water and lemon zest in a saucepan. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool.

Toast the oats under a preheated grill for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Place the stewed apples, oats and yoghurt in a food processor and blend until smooth. Gradually blend in the milk.

Pour into 4 glasses and serve chilled, garnished with freshly chopped apple. Its 273kcals, with 10g protein, 5g fat, and 38g sugars.

l On a tight budget? Ditch the daily trip to those expensive coffee shops and try the new Lyons One Cup coffee bags.

They’re individually foil wrapped and made from Lyons highest quality coffee that comes from farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance that develops and promotes sustainable farming practices.

Simply add boiling water and leave for three minutes to allow the coffee to brew in the cup. The bags are available from all major supermarkets and retail for around £2.29 for a box of 18.

Learn how to whip up a cappuccino, macchiato and a classic latte: www.coffeeperfection.com

l It’s easy to celebrate in January. Either you can uncork the Celtic in you and raise a toast to Burns Night on January 25, or mark Australia Day on January 26 with a bottle of wine from the home country.

For the first, Talisker, makers of the single malt whisky, are holding Burns Night suppers at Loch Fyne restaurants in Edinburgh, York, Bristol, Oxford and Twickenham.

The evening will feature guest speakers, whisky tastings, and a five course meal for £30. Call the restaurants: 0844 980 0963.

If you want a down-under party, you could offer Brown Brothers wines. This family-run Aussie winery has a selection that include unusual grape varieties.

It’s Dry Muscat, a refreshing crisp wine, would suit spicy Thai dishes such as chicken green curry. It’s £5.29 from Sainsbury, Tesco, Somerfield and Budgens.

Or warm yourself up with Sangiovese, a red wine to pair with dishes such as lamb shank, smoked chicken dishes or spicy continental sausage.

It’s £6.99 from Tesco.