Star sparkle cake

A super-simple yet effective Christmas cake decoration, especially if you want a modern looking cake

Spicy plum tart with marsala custard

There’s nothing like a homemade fruit pudding with custard, and this easy-to-make tart is one of the best

Lamb en croûte with redcurrant sauce

Teaming lamb with sage instead of mint is a clever idea for a festive feast – and you can freeze this dish for up to a month

Mini jacket potatoes

Bake up some new potatoes and top with soured cream and chives for a bite-sized, simple canapé

Iced chestnut ripple cheesecake

With a dark chocolate digestive base and nutty cream cheese topping, this frozen dessert has a winter twist

Easy poached salmon with salsa verde

Create a poaching liquor of fennel, bay and parsley for your fish, then serve with an Italian 'green sauce'

Polenta, roasted vegetables & peppered Parmesan crisps

Emma Booth won our Home Cooking Month competition with this sumptuous and creamy polenta dish, topped with vibrant roasted squash and beetroot

Crackin’ cress heads

Children will love these eggshells with living cress ‘hair’, a great table decoration for Sunday lunch

Steamed tilapia with green chilli & coconut chutney

Try something different by making a fragrant curry from tilapia fish fillets – it’s ready in just 20 minutes

Brandy pudding

This pud is impressive, delicious and makes a great light alternative dessert to a traditional Christmas pudding