Quick pickled onions

These colourful, spiced sweet and sour onions add piquancy to a ploughman’s, or a sharp finish to Mexican food – an ideal edible gift to make ahead and pop in a homemade hamper

Marinated goat’s cheese

A refreshing alternative to a full cheeseboard, this zesty thyme and chilli treat can be made ahead and given as a gift – just wrap up and add a box of good-quality crackers and chutney

Spiced salmon coulibiac

This make-ahead main of pastry-wrapped fish and rice is an extra-special way to serve seafood for a dinner party, spiced with cardamom, cloves and chilli

Griddled chicory

This simple side dish of charred chicory pairs perfectly with indulgent main courses, adding a pop of colour to any dinner party plate

Roast sweet potato & onion tart with goat’s cheese

Top buttery puff pastry with caramelised onions and melted cheese for a festive buffet or dinner party winner that you can make ahead and freeze

Black & white rice salad with cumin-roasted butternut squash

This vibrant Persian side salad is studded with dried fruit, nuts and seeds and finished with crumbled feta – ideal to take along to a Christmas buffet

Spanish skewers

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
A nod to traditional tapas, these freezable party canapés of potatoes, red pepper and chorizo can be made in advance

Niçoise toasts

These bite-sized, crostini-like mouthfuls are packed with robust Mediterranean flavours including anchovies, capers and olives

Mini chicken fajitas

These Mexican inspired party nibbles are filled with spicy chipotle chicken and peppers – make ahead for fuss-free entertaining

Rudolph shortbread

These simple shortbread triangles are a great edible gift for kids to make over Christmas – decorate with Smarties or other sweets and wrap up with pipe cleaner ‘reindeer’ antlers

Chinon apple tarts

These little French tarts are wonderfully buttery and crisp, glazed with a red wine jelly – the perfect end to a special supper for two

Lobster, green bean & radicchio salad

This festive seafood starter, finished with a garlicky basil dressing, can be prepared ahead – ideal for a fuss-free dinner for two