Open flower dumplings

These Chinese nibbles look fiddly, but they’re actually very easy to make, and healthy too

Orange chocolate tart

A grown-up make-ahead dessert that looks gorgeous when sliced. It’s easy to transport too, if you’re taking it to a friend’s for pudding

Peach & redcurrant sour cream ring

This easy cake is perfect for afternoon tea with friends

Garlic prawns with Asian puy lentils

Don’t dismiss lentils too quickly – they’re filling, healthy and easy to combine with other flavours, as this dish proves.

Devilled cheek & kidney pot pie

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Try beef cheek and lamb or ox kidney is this sumptuous pie with homemade pastry. Use a piece of bone marrow as a pie funnel – it’s a talking point!

The ultimate makeover: Moussaka

A light and healthy, but rich-tasting Greek-style dish

Classic winter fruitcake

This festive icing is easy to use, looks amazing and makes a lighter end to a meal. The perfect centrepiece for Christmas tea

Cherry cheesecake slice

An impressive looking dessert that is easy to serve – perfect for dinner parties and occasions

Meatballs with vine tomato sauce

Get the kids to help you make these simple meatballs, or make them up in advance – great for Hallowe'en

Hot lentils, cold trout

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Cold smoked trout combines brilliantly with bacon and earthy lentils in this easy meal

Steak, roasted pepper & pearl barley salad

A vibrant salad packed with yellow and red peppers, colourful onion, beef cooked to your liking and healthy grains

Mexican bean chilli

The secret ingredient in this chipotle-spiced, beef chilli con carne is a storecupboard favourite – baked beans