Lerato’s Tanzanian banana curry

Escape to east Africa with this budget-friendly curry. The unripe green bananas can be swapped for firm yellow plantains and you can add more chillies, if you like

Doughnut trifle

Whip up this cheat’s trifle in just five minutes using doughnuts, custard and summer berries

Spicy red pepper dip & crispy harissa mince

This is my interpretation of an amazing dish, muhammara, a spicy Middle Eastern red pepper and walnut dip. It’s very easy to pull together, especially if you use a jar of roasted peppers. I’ve topped mine with crispy harissa mince for a more complete meal, but if you leave it out it’s perfect for parties, served with crudités or pitta breads, or spread on the inside of sandwiches.

Sunken chocolate, olive oil & hazelnut cake

Indulge in a cake with a lovely crunchy topping that gives way to a soft, gooey middle. With its flourless sponge, it’s ideal for guests who can’t eat gluten

Sugared doughnuts

Evoke memories of days out at the beach with these seaside-style homemade doughnuts, with a sugary crisp outer and warm, fluffy middle – try them with dipping sauces

Maqlooba

Try this Iraqi-inspired maqlooba. Meaning “upside-down”, it’s a special dish combining lamb chops, aubergine, tomatoes, basmati rice and potatoes

Snickerdoodles

Is your dream cookie crisp on the outside and soft in the middle? If so, these cinnamon biscuits are for you. A classic American bake, they’re popular for a reason

Next level chocolate chip cookies

Forget brittle packet versions and make these ultimate choc chip cookies. Expect a crisp exterior, chewy middle and chunks of gooey dark chocolate

Triple-cheese croquettes with cranberry sauce

Make the most of any leftover Christmas cheese with these croquettes. Once fried, they have a crisp shell and wonderfully oozy, melty middle

Muhammara (red pepper & walnut dip)

Serve a Syrian-inspired red pepper and walnut dip as a side dish in a Middle Eastern feast. Top with whole walnuts and coriander and enjoy with flatbreads

Fatteh makdous (lamb-stuffed baby aubergines in tomato & tahini sauce)

Enjoy these delicious lamb-stuffed baby aubergines in tomato and tahini sauce as part of a Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Top with cashew nuts to serve

Giant couscous & tomato salad with zhoug-style dressing

Make this giant couscous and tomato salad as a summer side. Zhoug is a spicy, bright green Middle Eastern sauce that brings this dish alive