DIY series: When to make, when to buy

Whisks at the ready- can you make a fresh custard from eggs milk and cream to rival one from a tin?

DIY hummus - to make or to buy?

This chickpea dip can be whipped up at home in minutes- but does it pass the taste test?

DIY passata - to make or to buy?

It sieving dozens of tomatoes really worth the hassle, or does it make a world of difference on the flavour front?

DIY pastry - to make or to buy?

We tackle shortcrust pastry to see whether a manual approach beats rolling out a ready-made supermarket block.

DIY pesto - to make or to buy?

This basil sauce requires luxury ingredients but poured over pasta makes for a meal in minutes.

DIY salsa - to make or to buy?

Our tester tries out a smoky tomato chipotle chilli to see whether it beats shop-bought dips.