Twisty cheese straws

Puff pastry is ideal for canapés. Try twisted with cream cheese and pesto then baked until crispy

Baked camembert pie for sharing

Baked cheese gets even more indulgent. A layer of quince or cranberry jelly adds an extra dimension to this group-sized starter

Pear & manchego salad

Contains pork – recipe is for non-Muslims only

Spruce up a salad with a rosemary, honey and hazelnut crumb to accompany Spanish cheese, sweet fruit and bitter leaves

Spicy beans on toast

Jazz up this all-day staple dish with some cumin, coriander and semi-dried tomatoes then serve on hot buttered wholemeal bread

Moroccan chickpea soup

This low-fat soup is packed with storecupboard pulses, healthy grains and North African spice- use cumin, ras el hanout, ginger and cinnamon

Peach & almond tart

Authentic Italian Peach and almond tart

Walnut & stilton orzotto with roasted squash & Port sauce

MasterChef finalist, Alex Rushmer, shows us how to create a show-stopping vegetarian starter for the festive season

Somerset stew with cheddar & parsley mash

This family winter warmer is full of flavour and goodness. Adapt for meat lovers by adding sausages

Baked goat’s cheese with hazelnut crust & balsamic onions

This simple breaded cheese can be made ahead and frozen, ready to use as a starter for a dinner party with friends

White chocolate cheesecake with rhubarb compote

This soft and creamy cheesecake makes a suitably impressive and indulgent end to a dinner party