Dinner party

For added flavour, add a squeeze of lemon juice to your seafood pasta. Hot-smoked salmon steaks are available in the ready-to-eat section of the supermarket fridge. Note

Hot, perfectly cooked mussels are beautiful simmered in a creamy, fragrant tomato and chill sauce. Enjoy them straight out of the pot with a glass of wine.

Opposites attract in this cake with sour cream, white chocolate and apricot creating an explosion of flavour in your mouth.

Tender veal simmered in a rich, creamy sauce makes a perfect Winter meal. Serve with mashed potato or soft polenta.

Pressure cooker aficionados know well the pleasure of serving up a dish that should take 4 hours, after a mere half and hour or so. This tender Italian chilli braised pork is a brilliant example.

A traditional British dish, a fully dressed Guard of Honour rack of lamb is fit for any celebration or festive occasion.

This slow-cooked beef curry is a perennial favourite in Thai restaurants. When you cook it at home, it may take a while but the aroma and melt-in-the-mouth flavour makes the time spent worthwhile.

For a super authentic flavour to this amazingly tender Moroccan lamb pie, substitute preserved lemon rind for fresh. Cumin seeds add that final, exotic flourish.

Take a trip to India with this warm soup made with tikka masala curry paste and best served with crunchy papadums.

The luxurious flavour of these butterscotch bananas completely belies the ease with which they are prepared. These sticky, caramelised morsels can only be enhanced by lashings of the creamy nougat yoghurt topping.

Bright, fruity jellies studded with berries and set in martini glasses make a sophisticated dessert for a dinner party.

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

Not suitable to freeze or microwave. Note

There's no need to call the local Chinese take-away when you can create delicious braised pork ribs with Asian greens all on your own.

Packed with tender seafood, tomato and saffron, this risotto is hearty and delicious and makes a great red meat-free meal.

Having a gathering? Give the frozen party pies a miss and hand around a piping hot batch of these tasty, cheesy hot dog puffs. Snack food never tasted so good.

This Asian inspired steamed baby snapper with ginger is the perfect way to enjoy this delicately flavoured white fish. The coriander, chilli and peanuts team up to create the perfect trifecta of taste, aroma and texture.

This chocolate and peanut butter ice-cream pie is quite possibly the most decadent sweet recipe on the planet. Set atop a crisp biscuit base and finished with rich, hot fudge sauce, there really is nothing left to do but enjoy.

Yabbies are an Australian bush tucker classic. Treat your guests with these fantastic seafood nibbles at your next dinner party. As with any seafood dish, the key to great flavour is fresh ingredients.

Soft, sweet brioche makes a fabulous bread pudding, especially when it's liberally studded with dark chocolate and raspberries. Serve warm with double cream or vanilla ice-cream.

Tom yum is a Lao and Thai, clear, spicy and sour soup. It is widely served in neighbouring countries such as Cambodia and Malaysia and has become popular worldwide. Just one taste of our recipe and you'll see why.

This thick, creamy and utterly delicious watermelon and berry frappe is a great way to start your day, or to reach for as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Naturally sweet and enlivened by a shot of lime.

Forget about faffing around with collars and a bain-marie. These tangy little lemon soufflés are easy to make and simply divine. If you're in a particularly indulgent mood, a dollop of double cream won't hurt.

This French inspired chicken liver pate with port and brandy is particularly heavenly. Just a little will go a long way. Serve as an appetiser with slices of lightly toasted baguette at your next dinner party.

We adore these crispy skinned fish fillets nestled on a pile of colourful vegetable ribbons and finished with a drizzle of lemon caper butter. We've used bream, but snapper or sea bass will do the trick just as well.

Impress your guests with this surprisingly easy, yet elegant chocolate gelato and honeycomb terrine. Topped with a deluxe, warm chocolate fudge sauce, this is the dessert that just keeps on giving.

Fire up your oysters with a shot of mirin and fierce wasabe. Finely chopped cucumber adds a cool edge to this spicy little concoction. Great as a starter, or for handing round a platter with a difference at a party.

The Thai name for this crying tiger dish is 'seua rong hai'. It translates to ‘crying tiger’, as the dipping sauce is supposed to bring tears to your eyes. But don’t be nervous! It's actually not that hot.

We have many things to thank the Greeks for, baklava is but one of them. These cigar shaped treats drenched in syrup go perfectly with a steaming hot cup of espresso.

There is quite possibly nothing more decadent and rich than this steamed chocolate and golden syrup pudding. Served with a velvety butterscotch sauce, it will send you straight to dessert bliss.

If you're looking to splash out and spoil that special someone, what better way than to prepare this delicious lobster with champagne sauce? The sprinkle of chopped dill adds the perfect finish to this luxurious dish.

Surprisingly, the humble artichoke is part of the thistle family. Served here topped with chopped pine nuts and fresh chervil, with a tomato vinaigrette, they'll make a sophisticated, mouth-watering appetiser at your next dinner party.

These white chocolate mud cakes look and taste absolutely divine. Select brightly coloured icing flowers to decorate the top of the cakes and arrange beautifully on a cake stand for that extra 'wow' factor.

If you're a fan of the classic Swiss style of serving cheese, this camembert fondue ticks all the boxes. Enjoy plunging crispy slices of toasted baguette into this creamy, oozy disc of deliciousness.

If you fancy a decadent dessert for those long cold winter nights, consider this indulgent caramel self-saucing pudding. Serve it with lashings of thickened cream or ice-cream for a truly warming end to the chilliest of evenings.

This classic American dessert is always an all-time favourite. Don't be shy with the chocolate sauce, and if you'd like a grown up version, you can lace the topping with your favourite liqueur.

Cioppino is an Italian-American fish stew originating in San Francisco's fishing community. It is traditionally made from 'catch of the day' seafood and has become a popular staple at Italian restaurants in the area, and for good reason. It's delicious!

Apple sauce certainly has its place when it comes to roast pork, but our pork loin with fresh peach chutney will give you a new twist on this old favourite. Don't worry, we haven't forgotten the crackling!

Surf and turf is a hearty combination of the jewels of both land and sea. Not for vegetarians, this version combines marinara mix (ask your fishmonger to put it together for you) with a juicy steak. The result is divine.

These bagel chips are just perfect served alongside soups or dips. The sprinkling of the dried oregano turns the humble chip into a fragrant and tasty snack just right for dipping. You might also add a touch of salt.

There's no need to restrict baked ham to Christmas, this cherry-glazed baked ham makes a magnificent centrepiece for any party or celebration.

Topped with strawberries, raspberries and white chocolate curls, this Irish cream and berry trifle is a triumph. Creamy, fruity and spiked with alcohol, it's a celebration in a dish.

It doesn't get much better than our roasted pork belly with plum sauce. The added aromatics and spices result in a rich and exotic sauce with a depth of flavour you just don't get with a regular gravy. Oh, and crackling. Enough said.

Showcase the jewels of the ocean at your next gathering with this magnificent seafood platter. The spicy harissa and fresh salsa verde dipping sauces provide the perfect accompaniment. Serve with chilled white wine.

Affogato is a hugely popular Italian dessert that is composed of a small bowl of ice-cream, a shot of espresso and, sometimes, a shot of liqueur. These chocolate and cinnamon affogato shots are our cheeky take on the original.

Once again we must thank the Italians. This time, it's for mustard fruits which provide a sweetness along with a uniquely spicy accent to any dish they are added to. Here, it's roasted pork.

The beauty of this layered mango macadamia meringue cheesecake is second only to its delicate flavour. It takes some time to create but it's easier than you think, and your guests will love you for it.

On the days where only comfort food will satisfy the hungry masses, this delicious fish pie topped with the creamiest of mashed potato and baked to brown, crisp perfection will fit the bill like no other.

Brew a cup of good coffee, or warm up the teapot, and sit back with a slice of this fabulous white chocolate and raspberry baked cheesecake for an afternoon tea to savour.

Serve these crispy Asian-style fish cakes with spicy dipping sauce for a tantalising starter or light meal. If you like the extra kick, add some more chilli.

These mocha creams are perfect in their simplicity. Beginners in the kitchen can make them with ease and sit back and enjoy the praise. Make sure you serve them in glasses to get the wonderful visual effect.

You can whip up these Asian fish patties in no time. Served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce, they are sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. We've used blue-eye, but any firm white fish will do.

If the feeling of being torn between having a either malted milkshake or a cheesecake is familiar to you, fret no more. These delectable little glasses of heaven are the answer to your dilemma. You're welcome.

We love this succulent lemon and garlic rack of pork. Score the fat on top diagonally before baking, and you'll be rewarded with an extra crispy crackling that is easy to snap into pieces and share.

When you are blessed with an over abundance of beautifully ripe and juicy stone fruit, consider taking a culinary trip to the Middle East with this fresh peaches and dates with orange blossom recipe.

We've given the traditional 70's prawn cocktail a modern twist by using baby rocket leaves rather than iceberg lettuce and accompanying it with­ a light and zesty garlic and lime aïoli.

This dessert is a feast for the eyes and the mouth. Sorbets are deceptively easy to make, but never fail to impress. These tropical flavoured, brightly coloured versions are particularly splendid.

Bring a burst of colour and light, fresh flavour to your dinner party table with this prawn ravioli and mint and pea puree. There will be some fancy finger work involved but just look at this delightful result.

This lemon curd crepe cake is a deliciously sophisticated version of pancakes with lemon and sugar. Be sure to cook the curd gently over simmering water, and don't let the bowl touch the base of the pan.

Bread and butter pudding is as old as the hills and it's great for using up stale bread. There are many different ways of making it. This recipe is a bit of a departure from the traditional, with the addition of bananas.

At a minimum you'll need plenty of napkins, and possibly a bib for these delicious honey and tamarind pork spare ribs. Don't scrimp on the marinading time, because that is what gives these ribs their amazing flavour.

Simple and delicious, this pasta dish can be on the dinner table in just half an hour. Don't be frightened of the anchovies; topped with the garlic breadcrumbs, they give a wonderful flavour.

This tandoori salmon pilaf is a healthy and delicious Indian inspired family meal. The fragrant spices of the tandoori are perfectly balanced alongside the fresh and creamy raita.

Potato salad has sure come a long way since the mayonnaise drenched versions. The addition of kumara adds a sweetness of flavour and a smoothness of texture. And not a jar of mayonnaise to be seen.

Light as air and beautifully frothy, zabaglione is a classic Italian dessert. You can spice up this lovely chocolate zabaglione by adding a teaspoon of orange zest at the end, like a sophisticated jaffa.

For such a tasty result, pâté is surprisingly easy to make. Try this chicken and port pâté on polenta crisps next time you have a dinner party gathering. Finished with sour cherries and chervil, they taste delicious.

Every body loves a curry, and while there are some very good quality curry pastes on the market, nothing quite beats the kick and flavour of making your own. It's surprisingly easy.

Originally invented in New York at the hotel of its namesake, this traditional Waldorf salad contains all of the original elements. Later editions include raisins and chicken, but we've stuck with the classic recipe, here.

Add an exotic touch to an everyday crème caramel with rosewater, cardamom and saffron. Silky soft and darkly sweet, this is a stunning dessert.

Sometimes a dessert, sometimes a beverage, we can all agree that the deliciously rich and fluffy Italian zabaglione is a delight, whatever its form. A touch of marsala gives this version its kick.

Beef vindaloo is a classic curry most famous in India's Goa region. Not for the faint hearted, the chilli packs a particularly spicy punch. To balance the dish, serve with a side of riata and an ice cold beer.

This fragrant Thai prawn stir-fry uses the root of a bunch of coriander as well as the leaves, which adds a depth of flavour not found otherwise. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

This cured salmon salad is deliciously fresh and light. The process of 'cooking' the fish by bathing it in lime juice and sherry results in a melt in the mouth texture that marries beautifully with the Asian style dressing and crisp salad leaves.

For such a classy dish, this is a really simple and quick recipe. There's only one thing to be careful of; don't overcook the seafood or it will be tough and leathery.

Don't be afraid of the soufflé! If you use room temperature eggs, fold in the ingredients gently and bake on the bottom shelf of the oven, you'll be well on your way to a restaurant quality, sophisticated dessert.

Snapper is an incredibly versatile fish. It can be barbecued, grilled, steamed or fried with equally delicious results. This pan seared version with buttery capers results in tender flesh and tasty, crispy skin.

The secret to a perfectly cooked, moist pork steak is to take the meat out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature before cooking on a medium heat. This will prevent the outside from being overcooked when the inside is done.

Beef carpaccio is a fantastic appetiser to serve when entertaining guests. Buy the best quality beef you can afford for a luxury, melt in the mouth texture and flavour.

You could use apricots as well or instead of either fruit for this divine peach and nectarine trifle. As a rule of thumb, just go with whatever is best in season.

This easy lamb curry takes a little time to cook so that those lovely flavours develop sufficiently, but apart from the initial preparation it's pretty much hands off. And not a jar of curry paste in sight.

Celebrate summer's seasonal vegetables with this colourful and healthy vegetable terrine. Make sure you remove it from the fridge well before serving, as it is most delicious when enjoyed at room temperature.

This moist sage-roasted pork loin is a deliciously simple mid-week family meal. Serve it sliced thickly with roasted vegetables and keep the leftovers for the kids' lunchbox sandwiches.

The spices we've used here are used extensively in Moroccan cooking and bring a particular depth of flavour and vibrancy to meat dishes. Cooked in this way, the lamb will be perfectly moist and tender.

There are some occasions that justify pulling out the big guns. When an event calls for a spectacular dessert you can't go past these little cups of toffee apple sorbet with pecan rosemary crumble.

This Sichuan pork with peach and chilli salad is typical of this style of Chinese cuisine, with its bold flavours and particular kick that comes from the classic Sichuan pepper seasoning.

Hit the trifecta and enjoy an all-in-one coffee, dessert and after dinner drink with this heavenly ice-cream with espresso and irish cream treat. Never has there been so much exquisiteness in such a little glass.

The tamarind and honey work together in this dish to create a lovely sweet and sour flavour combination that compliments the delicate flavour of the prawns beautifully. Your dinner party guests will love it.

One of the true classics from cocktail history, a Tom Collins is a gin based cocktail spiked with lemon, sweetened with sugar and finished off with a maraschino cherry.

Scoff your way through these delicious white wine and garlic mussels to find a tasty broth at the bottom. Keep the shell, still hinged, from the first mussel you eat and use this to remove the remaining mussels from their shells.

This dish is a stand-out recipe, not just because it's quite spectacular, but because the taste of fish baked in a salt crust is incomparable. The perfect centrepiece for a celebratory meal.

This maple baked winter fruit ensemble is perfect for chilly evenings. Serve with a generous dollop of mascarpone for extra decadence.

Our profiteroles with chocolate liqueur sauce are the perfect end to your next dinner party. For best results, don't forget to perforate each profiterole with the tip of a sharp knife before the last 5 minutes of baking.

Give your family midweek meal with an exotic twist with this Moroccan lamb with couscous. The aromatic spices combined with a sprinkle of coriander just before serving give this dish its unique flavour.

For something a little different, try our baked veal with potato pea mash. The cornflake crumb provides a delightful crunch to the tender meat, and the potato and pea combo is fresher alternative to the usual mash.

Combine this tender beef fillet with a delicious red wine sauce and a generous serving of mashed kumara for a slightly different take on the a traditional beef and vegetable fare. You'll be glad you did.

Duck is an excellent choice if you're looking for something a little different. It is a rich meat, but the orange sauce and snow-pea salad provide the perfect contrast. Using both the stove top and the oven will result in perfectly cooked breast with a lovely crisp skin.