Minted green bean salad

Just 5 ingredients in this summery vegan salad – you can make it a day in advance too

Chicken with goat’s cheese & tarragon

A special, simple and speedy dish that serves a crowd

Almond & cinnamon rice

A delicately flavoured rice, perfect with fish. Recipe from Raymond Blanc

Iced berry pud

This pudding is so simple, you almost feel you’ve cheated – it looks like a Christmas pud but is altogether different

Stilton & poppy seed sablés

Sablé is French for sandy, which explains the crumbly texture of these pastries – given extra crunch by the addition of polenta

Speedy nachos

Whip up these speedy, cheesy nachos for a casual get together with friends

Tomato soup with tear & share cheesy bread

Use a packet mix to rustle up your own cheat’s garlic bread to serve alongside classic and creamy tomato soup

Honey-roasted swede with chilli & cumin

This versatile root vegetable can be roasted like a potato – with a drizzle of honey and sprinkling of spice you get a very special side dish

Salmon with mustardy celeriac mash

If beauty is skin deep, then celeriac is a case in point – and it’s delicious when served as a creamy mash

Manchego cheese triangles with quince preserve

Combine triangles of salty manchego with sweet membrillo quince paste for a simple and moreish party canapé or serve as part of a tapas spread