Pears roasted in red wine

A no-fuss, low-fat dessert – no need to peel the pears, just pop them in the oven and wait for the delicious sauce to form

Ray with buttery parsley & capers

This classic way of treating meaty white
fish, sometimes called meunière, is so simple – everything’s cooked in one pan

Ricotta, fig & prosciutto crostini

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Little Italian toasts topped with creamy cheese, sweet fruit and salty ham – a killer combination to be served as a nibble

Curried squash, lentil & coconut soup

Flavour up butternut squash with Indian spices for this warming and healthy vegetarian soup

Smoked salmon, dill & lemon paté

Five minutes is all you need to whip up this creamy fish dish, great served as a dip or starter

Portuguese braised steak & onions

In Portugal this braise would be served with fried potatoes or rice, but it goes just as well with a pillow of buttery mash

Crab-stuffed avocados

Stuffing the cavity of a halved avocado has
to be one of the easiest ways to serve it, and
this crab filling can be made ahead

Potted ham

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
This simple starter is a great way to use up leftover ham and you can freeze it ahead

Leek & goat’s cheese tartlets

An easily assembled recipe for a smart vegetarian main course

Blackberry zabaglione

Italian zabaglione is lovely rippled with a few crushed berries for a quick, outstanding dessert