Red jalapeno relish

A simple tomato and chilli salsa that really brings the heat. Try a spoonful on a plate of nachos with all the trimmings, you won't be disappointed

Garlic bread nachos

This easy side dish is sure to disappear quickly. Layer up garlic bread, cheddar, tortilla chips, spring onions and bake until melted. Serve with guacamole

Twice-cooked beef short ribs with dripping carrots & gravy

These tender slow-roasted beef ribs make an ideal meal if you're entertaining friends this New Year's Eve – you can prepare most of the dish two days ahead

Smoked mash

Adding smoked sea salt to your standard creamy mash adds another layer of flavour to everyone's favourite side dish. Take potatoes to the next level

Malted milk melting snowman cake

Everyone loves a white Christmas and this snowman cake conjures up that festive feeling. Kids can help decorate with buttons, icing and chocolate sticks

Super-simple fruitcake

This easy fruit cake by one of our younger readers, Bree Hamilton, is simple, uses storecupboard ingredients and is perfect for a quick winter pick-me-up

Rainbow beet slaw with pecans & maple dressing

This is a goes-with-everything colourful side salad. If you want to serve it over a few days, leave out the soft herbs as they will wilt in the dressing

One-pot partridge with drunken potatoes

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

A plump little partridge is the ideal portion for one, and has a mild and succulent flavour, ideal for cold winter nights

Chicken & kumquat salad

This seasonal salad is super zingy and fresh. Use finely chopped lemon peel if you can't find kumquats

Salad-stuffed blackened peppers

A great vegetarian barbecue option, blackening the skins of these stuffed peppers gives them a delicious smoky flavour. Make the buckwheat salad the day before if you want to get ahead