Ricotta dip with crushed tomatoes & bruschetta

Brush slices of baguette with garlic then chargrill and pile high with Italian-style cheese dip with vibrant cherry tomatoes

Lemon & herb lamb lollipops

Serve these crunchy cutlets at room temperature alongside a dip and encourage everyone to dig in with their hands

Lighter crème brûlée

The secret to this healthier French pud is to make the custard very thick intially as unlike your normal recipe, it’s not baked afterwards

Lamb cutlets with pistachio & herb dressing

Simplicity is key with this romantic dish- it’s ready in under 20 minutes so you can spend more time with your guest

Braised beef with anchovy toasts

This slow-cooked dish makes a cheaper cut of beef skirt tender and melt-in-the-mouth. It’s freezable too so great for a simple, budget dinner party

Pumpkin & potato gratin

An brilliant vegetarian twist on the classic French dish of potato gratin – you can also make it ahead

Summer greens & nectarines

Serve this vegetarian treat with crusty or garlic bread – just terrific on a balmy summer’s eve

Crab cakes with sweet chilli & ginger dipping sauce

An easy help-yourself starter with the zest and spice of ginger and chilli

Apple & bacon salad

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
A perfect November salad, with seasonal cruncy apples, hazelnuts and celeriac

Salted caramel banana tatins with crème fraîche ice cream

Combining on-trend salted caramel with a French classic makes for a stylish individual pudding that could grace any smart restaurant menu

Pistou soup

Make the pesto a day ahead and keep covered in the fridge, ready to top this healthy French vegetable soup from Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons

Dundee cake

A famous traditional Scottish fruitcake with cherries, sultanas and almonds, and a sweet glaze