Spiced meringues with coffee-soaked prunes

The mixed spice in the meringues and plump, juicy prunes give a Christmassy flavour to this budget dinner party dessert

American pecan pies

Our favourite American dessert, perfected with a little kick of bourbon cream on the side

Tia Maria cheesecake

Perfect for a special occasion, this American style dessert really has the wow-factor

Plum crumble

Use two sugars and ground almonds for the perfect crunchy crumble topping, atop cinnamon-spiced plums

Apple tart ‘Maman Blanc’

An elegant autumn dessert that’s easy to prepare as the pastry case does not need to be pre-baked

Cointreau pancakes

Full of orangey flavour, this recipe is an easy version of classic crêpes suzette – perfect for dessert

Chicken liver parfait with sultanas & raisins

Making your own paté is an extra-special touch- this version is flavoured with wine, cream, garlic and sage

Almond & honey pastries with orange cream

Serve these prepare-ahead puds with coffee, dessert wine or fresh mint tea for a real after-dinner treat

Sticky pear & ginger cake

This is a cross between a sticky toffee pudding and a ginger cake. Serve warm with ice cream or cream as a dessert

Sticky ginger-nut cake

A wonderfully sticky dessert – perfect served with a dollop of cream

French rhubarb tart

Take your time with this pretty in pink dessert and you’ll have a fruit pie worthy of any Parisian patisserie shop window

Glam trifle slice

Everyone’s favourite layered dessert gets a smart makeover – custard, raspberry, jelly and cream in a neat terrine