Mini gingerbread houses

Everyone can decorate their own gingerbread house this Christmas, with Sarah Cook’s cute mini versions

Stuffed mushroom bruschettas

The big mushrooms cook to a moist meatiness under their cloak of peppers and melting goat’s cheese, a veggie dish anyone will enjoy.

Easy pea & mint soup

This chilled, no-cook dish makes a refreshing starter

Salmon & watercress parcels

These smart little parcels take less than an hour to cook from frozen

Three-in-one braised vegetables

This dish is so handy – while the veg cook, you’re making a tasty stock for the gravy, too

Succulent braised venison

Venison benefits from long, slow cooking, and this Scottish dish develops a beautifully earthy sweetness – try it as an alternative to turkey, or for Hogmanay

Jellied rhubarb & vanilla soup

This is a great way to cook rhubarb so that it retains structure and bite – plus it’s a unique fruit jelly to serve up at a dinner party

Lamb & rosemary envelopes

Cook lamb steaks with herbs and wrap into a puff pastry parcel – you’ll need just five ingredients

High-fibre muesli

Make your own muesli packed with fibre and great flavour using jumbo oats for slow-release energy, linseed and apricots. An easy, healthy breakfast

Golden potatoes

The secret to perfect fried potatoes is to start them on a high heat, then turn the heat right down and let them cook slowly

Glazed baby veg

A simple way to cook veg to serve alongside your favourite main

Christmas spiced red cabbage

This classic side can be made up to two days in advance. For maximum flavour, cook the cabbage down really well over a low heat until it’s really sticky