Make ahead

Red curry paste, coconut milk and coriander give this Thai-style pumpkin soup its unique flavour, while tender pieces of chicken thigh turn a bowl into a meal.

The piñata is quick and easy to make, but make sure the top edge of the shell doesn’t have any weak spots. If the piñata does break, re-melt the chocolate and start again. The piñata can be made several days ahead of the party. Note

store recipe can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated, covered. Note

Equipment deep 23cm (9¼-inch) square cake pan 30cm (12-inch) round or square prepared cake board and a bamboo skewer. The cake can be made a day before the party. Note

These nuts are so moreish it will be hard to hand them over; to prevent such a dilemma, double the quantity and the problem is solved! Note

Recipe can be prepared 4 hours ahead up to the end of step 4. Note

With a name that loosely translates as "top of the shelf", ras el hanout is a Moroccan blend of the best a spice merchant has to offer.

We used chicken breast mince in this recipe. Note

Potted prawns can be made a day before the picnic, keep well-iced during transportation. Make crostini close to departure time. Note