Roasted gnocchi, sundried tomato & olive stacks

Ready made gnocchi make a perfect base for a bite-sized canapé that’s easy to make and perfect for a party platter or casual nibble with drinks

Chestnut & shallot tatins with mushroom & madeira sauce

Take puff pastry and top with banana shallots and ready-cooked chestnuts for these stylish vegetarian tarts – a great dinner party starter

Curried lentil, parsnip & apple soup

This spicy soup combines red lentils, apples and parsnip for a smooth, warming soup – a low fat meal that you can make ahead and freeze

Open rye sandwich with halloumi & avocado

A lunch-friendly rye bread sandwich with salty cheese and guacamole. Serve with a zesty squeeze of lime

Hummus & avocado sandwich topper

Spruce up hummus with coriander, red onion, tomatoes and lemon and stuff into pitta or serve piled on wholegrain or rye bread

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