Gingerbread man

Even the smallest hands can help make these gingerbread men – perfect for Christmas. You can use raisins, sultanas or Smarties to decorate

Cauliflower fritters with herby dipping sauce

This help-yourself veggie starter of tempura-like lightly battered cauliflower is also good as a nibble with drinks

Sausages with sticky onion gravy

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only
A classic British recipe, cooked to perfection

Rum & raisin puddings

These individual desserts are deliciously naughty, so make plenty or you might have a fight on your hands when it comes to seconds

Zesty orange marzipan

Homemade marzipan out does shop-bought every time, if orange isn’t your thing try ginger or cinnamon – it’s simple too

Artichoke & broad bean tart with watercress pesto

This vegetarian buffet centrepiece can be made a day ahead and served cold or reheated

Crushed pea fish cakes with chilli-lime mayo

Nothing says comfort food like homemade fish cakes

Fudgy dark chocolate cake

Fudgy dark chocolate sponge, the perfect party cake, afternoon-tea cake or any-excuse cake

Chilli bean bake with soured cream mash

A comforting supper for a crowd that you can freeze ahead to save time on the night

Lemon & raspberry meringue tart

A decadent summer dessert for a crowd that can largely be made ahead