Soy roast duck with hoisin gravy

Tender duck breasts with subtle Chinese spice, finished with a ginger-infused oriental gravy

Dazzling beetroot-cured salmon

This salmon needs to be made at least three days ahead, which means very little work to do on Christmas day

Festive fruit & nut cake

This fabulously moist and nutty Christmas cake is baked with a syrup and nut topping – a bit like a Florentine biscuit

Essence of tomatoes

Make Raymond Blanc’s flavoursome tomato soup up to 1 day ahead, and keep chilled

Smoked haddock chowder

A rich, smoky satisfying soup that can be made in advance and frozen until needed – it’s easily doubled too

Fish cakes with vegetables

For an authentic flavour try Ken Hom’s fish cakes with vegetables, straight from the markets of Hong Kong

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

Honey & mustard steak with mushrooms

This quick steak recipe is full of flavour – a perfect for supper for two

Mexican bean chilli

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

Sizzled masala lamb with chopped salad

Marinate lamb chops with curry paste and serve up a colourful meal for one with crisp radish, tomato, cucumber and herb salad

Crispy chocolate fridge cake

Packed with biscuits, sultanas, puffed rice and lots of chocolate, these refrigerator bars are ideal for a kids’ party

Pistachio & raspberry pithiviers

Frangipane and berry individual puff pastry parcels – for a special touch decorate with your guests’ initials