From-the-freezer mince pies

Keep these festive favourites nice and simple or spice things up with some imaginative twists

Potted ham

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This simple starter is a great way to use up leftover ham and you can freeze it ahead

Turkey tonnato salad

Tuna mayo on turkey may sound like an odd combination, but trust us! This Italian-style light lunch dish is the perfect remedy for Christmas excesses

Sugar-dusted snowflake cake

Give your Christmas cake a stylish and professional finish this year with this sparkling decoration idea

Crab-stuffed avocados

Stuffing the cavity of a halved avocado has
to be one of the easiest ways to serve it, and
this crab filling can be made ahead

Light chicken korma

A mild and healthy chicken korma curry that’s still satisfying and full of flavour

Leek & goat’s cheese tartlets

An easily assembled recipe for a smart vegetarian main course

Portuguese braised steak & onions

In Portugal this braise would be served with fried potatoes or rice, but it goes just as well with a pillow of buttery mash

Stuffed mushroom bruschettas

The big mushrooms cook to a moist meatiness under their cloak of peppers and melting goat’s cheese, a veggie dish anyone will enjoy.

Broad beans with parsley, feta & almonds

A lovely green, summery starter to serve before a meaty main