Maple-mustard glazed carrots

Maple syrup brings an extra sweet edge to the carrots making for an irresistible side-dish

Chocolate & apricot pud with glossy chocolate sauce

Traditional Christmas pud is not universally popular, especially with children – this wonderfully moist chocolate version could be the answer

Apricot crumb squares

Apricot crumb squares for high days and holidays

Vietnamese veg parcels

Fancy something a bit different? Try these healthy vegetable parcels, based on Vietnamese rolls

Pink fishballs in spicy lentil gravy

If your kids have a thing about ‘fishy’ food, try calling salmon ‘pink fish’ and try out these delicious fish balls

Sticky ginger-nut cake

A wonderfully sticky dessert – perfect served with a dollop of cream

Creamy salmon with chunky ratatouille

This recipe is designed to be made ahead and frozen – individual fish suppers with creamy salmon and chunky veg

Pineapple & cherry upside-down sandwich cake

This nostalgic sponge layer-cake is a trip down memory lane, fit for any afternoon tea party – fill generously with jam and vanilla cream

Gunpowder chicken with dried red chillies & peanuts

This classic dish from the Chinese province of Sichuan isn’t as spicy if you remove the chilli seeds – complete with a sticky, sweet and rich sauce

Chicken & almond pastillas

Morocco’s very own version of the pasty – spiced meat and apricots are wrapped in crisp filo pastry and finished with cinnamon sugar