Courgette ribbon salad

Use a spiralizer to create this fresh, zingy, raw salad – perfect with grilled chicken or fish and topped with crumbled feta or goat's cheese

Little pistachio cakes

These nutty little cupcakes, topped with cream cheese icing make a pretty addition to any buffet dessert or afternoon tea spread

Banana custard eclairs

Give these afternoon tea classics a fruity makeover with a creamy banana custard filling – perfect for a sophisticated spread

Ploughman’s scones

These savoury cheese scones, filled with thin slices of apple and chutney, make a delicious addition to an afternoon tea spread

Monkey bread

This American, pull-apart sweet treat is sticky, spiced and stuffed with pecans – an indulgent breakfast, brunch or dessert to share

Healthy banana & peanut butter ice cream

Use up ripe bananas in this easy frozen dessert with almond milk, peanut butter and cinnamon – a low-fat sweet treat

Floating islands with caramel sauce

Fluffy poached meringue is served over a rich crème anglaise in this classic dinner party dessert

Cantabrian prawn cocktail

King prawns and crabmeat pair beautifully in this Spanish seafood starter, with a zesty mayonnaise dressing

Morello cherry & almond traybake

This fruity cake uses ground rice and almond extract for a cheaper bake – perfect for a cake sale or as a teatime treat

Spiced beetroot & feta tarts with tahini-dressed leaves

Turn root vegetables and puff pastry into a stunning vegetarian starter or main with coriander, cumin and harissa

Lentil & cardamom soup

Cheap and cheerful red lentils are jazzed up with coconut milk and plenty of spices in this quick and warming soup recipe

Pea falafels with minty couscous salad

Give falafel a makeover by using a mix of chickpeas and frozen peas, serve with couscous and a dollop of yogurt for a cheap but tasty meal