Festive Party Favourites

I am that person at a party, desperately following the one tray of vegetarian canapes around, trying to sneak a second mouthful before I get noticed. I can’t count the number of parties I have left a little bleary because there just wasn’t anything to eat. As far as I am concerned, where there’s drink, there should be food – for everyone.

LITTLE PEANUT NOODLE BOWLS 

Here many of my favourite things jump into the same bowl: crispy tofu, bright and zippy vegetables and sprightly herbs. For a quick assembly, have everything prepped and lined up and your bowls in a row so you can quickly drop each element in and move on to the next.

WINTER SPICED POPCORN

Salt-sweet caramel-coated popcorn – serve it in big bowls or in cinema-style paper containers. And make lots – it goes quickly.

MINI SQUASH + CHIVE DUMPLINGS

These take time to put together: I enlist a couple of helpers for gyoza folding. The finished dumplings will be more than worth the effort. They can be made ahead and frozen if you like.

HOT BUTTERED-RUM 

A welcome change from mulled wine, this can be easily scaled up for a gathering. It can be made without the butter if you like, but it adds a comforting creaminess.

GREEN CHILE WHIPPED GOAT CHEESE via 101 Cookbooks

This delicious looking dip is one of my favourite recipes of Heidi’s. For a gathering I’ll spread it on little squares of toasted sourdough and sprinkle with toasted seeds.

MERRIMENT TART SQUARES

Sweet leeks, punchy cheddar, thyme and nutmeg make this a really satisfying mouthful. This one is cooked in a tray making it easier to line and neat to cut into little squares for sharing.

FIGS WITH PINE NUTS + GOAT CURD via Jame Oliver

A delicious idea from Jamie – pretty and simple, a platter of these will definitely be at my Christmas party this year.

CLEMENTINE + HONEY GINGERBREAD STARS 

Something sweet to finish with – these stars look very pretty hanging on the tree

SPICED + SALTED PUMPKIN PIE MINIS via My New Roots

These guys from the wonderful Sarah Britton hit the spot, and as you’d expect from her, they use thoughtful ingredients.