Pissaladière

This is a gorgeous oniony tart made like a pizza – it makes a great starter or lunch, hot or cold.

Sweet potato salad

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

Navarin d’agneau

Delicious lamb, potato and vegetable dish – a hearty seasonal meal that you can make a day ahead

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

Instant vanilla ice cream

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

Stuffed courgette flowers

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

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

Mini banoffee pies

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

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