Make-ahead mushroom soufflés

A soufflé to start always gives your dinner party a ‘wow’ factor and this make-ahead recipe gives you more time to be the perfect host

Sherry & almond Christmas cake

Packed with
almonds, both ground and whole, and fed with raisiny PX sherry, this is
intensely fruity – but not overly rich

Pine nut & honey tart

This make-ahead tart is the ultimate finale for a festive buffet – just make sure you have enough as guests may well want seconds

Spinach & artichoke filo pie

This makes a good main course for vegetarian friends and family

Sticky clementine & ginger puddings

These sweet little puddings make terrific dinner party desserts, or you can make one big one for the family

Cheese & Marmite pasties

Love it or hate it, Marmite works beautifully with cheese and onion when baked up in shortcrust parcels

Ultimate spaghetti carbonara recipe

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Discover how to make superb spaghetti carbonara. This cheesy pasta dish is an Italian favourite and with the right technique, you can make it perfect every time

Best ever chocolate raspberry brownies

Squidgy and super moreish, these gorgeous foolproof fruity chocolate bakes will be snapped up in seconds

Easy vanilla marzipan

It’s worth having a go at making your own marzipan to cover your Christmas cake – and you can experiment with adding different flavours

Simnel muffins

A new twist on a traditional recipe and perfect for getting the kids involved in the festivities

Blackberry & apple loaf

This moist and fruity cake is a great way to get kids to eat fruit, you may have trouble stopping them!

Madeira loaf cake

A classic English sponge cake, delicately flavoured with lemon and almond – perfect for afternoon tea