Crispy chilli beef

Ditch the takeaway and whip up this Chinese flash-fried steak with a sweet gingery sauce and red peppers

Chocolate & coffee truffle pots

What better way to finish a meal than rich chocolate truffles and coffee? This easy dessert combines the two

Really useful roast chicken

This succulent all-purpose roast can be enjoyed with trimmings on Sunday or used as the basis for other satisfying meals

Italian rice with chicken

This one-pan dish is simple, but really looks the business when you’re trying to impress

Cornbread wedges

A great accompaniment for spicy stews and chillies, or just with a salad for lunch

Sticky chicken with sherry, almonds & dates

Tender roasted chicken legs coated in a lip-smacking glaze – ideal for feeding a crowd

Herrings rolled with mustard & pancetta

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
Securing the fillets with cocktail sticks is a neat way of cooking enough fish for four without it being fiddly

Brussels sprouts with hazelnut & orange butter

Even the staunchest Brussels critics have been swayed by these mouthwatering sprouts, mellowed by the sweet citrus butter which can be made days ahead

Mashed carrots with Pernod

This recipe from chef John Tovey sounds like an odd combination, but Sara wouldn’t be without it for her Christmas lunch

Macadamia & cranberry American cookies

These freezable biscuits are completely irresistible and make a great gift for kids to give to teachers or grandparents