Sweet potato salad

This simple healthy salad of baked potato chunks makes a great alternative to mayonnaise-based versions

Gingerbread man party cake

Follow our step-by-step guide to icing a fruitcake with white fondant and marzipan, then decorate with smiling gingerbread men and cute candy canes

Toffee apple squares

A crumble-like base, caramel nut topping and added juicy fruits – sticky toffee pud with a difference

Stuffed courgette flowers

Though a little fiddly, stuffing courgette flowers with ricotta cream filling and serving with tomato dressing looks dazzling

Instant vanilla ice cream

Children will love this – part recipe, part science experiment, milk transforms into delicious ice cream in front of their eyes

Mexican steak with homemade refried beans

All the flavours of a good beef chilli con carne in a fraction of the time, cook it in a frying pan or on the bbq

Crab mayonnaise with Melba toast & herb salad

Follow our step-by-step guide to plating up this elegant bistro-style dish of homemade paté and fragrant leaf salad

Mini banoffee pies

Go retro with this easy and ever-popular dessert that's been given a smart dinner party makeover

Lighter lemon drizzle cake

Angela Nilsen gives one of our site’s most popular cakes the ultimate healthy makeover by reducing fat

Hot cross buns

Follow master baker Paul Hollywood's ultimate step-by-step guide to creating perfectly decorated fruit buns