Pear, blue cheese & walnut sandwich topper

The textures and contrasting flavours are what makes this simple lunchtime combination so satisfying. Finish with some peppery watercress

Curried egg mayo sandwich topper

Spice up traditional egg mayonnaise with a little curry paste. Serve piled on bread or stuffed in pitta alongside crunchy cucumber, lettuce and spring onion

Twisty cheese straws

Puff pastry is ideal for canapés. Try twisted with cream cheese and pesto then baked until crispy

Baked camembert pie for sharing

Baked cheese gets even more indulgent. A layer of quince or cranberry jelly adds an extra dimension to this group-sized starter

Pear & manchego salad

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Spruce up a salad with a rosemary, honey and hazelnut crumb to accompany Spanish cheese, sweet fruit and bitter leaves

Spicy beans on toast

Jazz up this all-day staple dish with some cumin, coriander and semi-dried tomatoes then serve on hot buttered wholemeal bread

Moroccan chickpea soup

This low-fat soup is packed with storecupboard pulses, healthy grains and North African spice- use cumin, ras el hanout, ginger and cinnamon

Peach & almond tart

Authentic Italian Peach and almond tart

Walnut & stilton orzotto with roasted squash & Port sauce

MasterChef finalist, Alex Rushmer, shows us how to create a show-stopping vegetarian starter for the festive season

Somerset stew with cheddar & parsley mash

This family winter warmer is full of flavour and goodness. Adapt for meat lovers by adding sausages