Twice-cooked beef short ribs with dripping carrots & gravy

These tender slow-roasted beef ribs make an ideal meal if you're entertaining friends this New Year's Eve – you can prepare most of the dish two days ahead

Garlic bread nachos

This easy side dish is sure to disappear quickly. Layer up garlic bread, cheddar, tortilla chips, spring onions and bake until melted. Serve with guacamole

Red jalapeno relish

A simple tomato and chilli salsa that really brings the heat. Try a spoonful on a plate of nachos with all the trimmings, you won't be disappointed

Pull-apart pork with honey chipotle

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Melt-in-the-mouth, tender shredded pork with a sweet and spicy glaze, what's not to like? Serve this simple make-ahead meal with all the trimmings

Pea-camole

Big kids love avocado, little kids love peas – and they add a good natural sweetness to this chilli-topping classic. It makes a handy vegan side dish too

Double bean & roasted pepper chilli

This warming vegetarian chilli is a low-fat, healthy option that packs in the veggies and flavour. Serve with Tabasco sauce, soured cream or yogurt

Rainbow beet slaw with pecans & maple dressing

This is a goes-with-everything colourful side salad. If you want to serve it over a few days, leave out the soft herbs as they will wilt in the dressing

Super-simple fruitcake

This easy fruit cake by one of our younger readers, Bree Hamilton, is simple, uses storecupboard ingredients and is perfect for a quick winter pick-me-up

Malted milk melting snowman cake

Everyone loves a white Christmas and this snowman cake conjures up that festive feeling. Kids can help decorate with buttons, icing and chocolate sticks

Chicken & kumquat salad

This seasonal salad is super zingy and fresh. Use finely chopped lemon peel if you can't find kumquats