RECOMMENDATIONS

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  Italian antipasti plate

  For a fabulous couldn't-be-easier starter, do an Italian job and simply buy in some deli-delicious goodies, as Jo Pratt suggests

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  Lemon grass and lime fish stew

  Ainsley Harriott's fragrant Thai-style stew is perfect for a summer evening - substitute cod with any firm-fleshed white fish if you prefer...

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  Chicken with mushrooms and marjoram

  Rachel Allen serves a vibrant broad bean salad with this rich spring dish

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  Peppered lamb steak with creamed leeks

  Gary Rhodes' lamb has a sweet redcurrant jelly glaze and is served with butter and cream-enriched leeks

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  Spicy beanburgers

  Ainsley Harriott's spicy beanburgers are packed with spinach, cannelloni beans and chilli - try slapping them on the barbie...

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  Scallops with clementine, ham and almond salad

  Richard Corrigan makes a colourful Spanish-inspired starter with a sherry and clementine dressing

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  Raspberry vinaigrette

  Try this light summery vinaigrette poured over half an avocado or drizzled over a rocket salad

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  Spaghetti primavera

  A light and tasty pasta dish that makes the most of spring - primavera - vegetables.

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  Hot and sour broth

  Paul Merret looks to the piquant flavours of Thailand as inspiration for this seafood soup

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  Chicken and mushroom dumplings

  Ching-He Huang’s delicious open-wrapped steamed dumplings are great to serve at dinner parties as a starter