RECOMMENDATIONS

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  Moules marinière

  Trish Deseine proves that mussels can be the ultimate fast food. Served with chips or crusty bread for dunking in the garlic and wine sauce, they’re a meal in themselves

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  Solstice pudding

  Suz Evasdaughter has devised this really fruity spiced dessert that looks great and is quick and easy to make

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  Parsnip crisps with sea salt

  Mark Hix’s vegetable crisps are great as snacks, or to serve as an accompaniment to game birds

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  Fava and sausage stew

  This is Clodagh McKenna’s take on the Italian classic, salsiccia con lentils, using new season fava beans and pork

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  Bacon chop with laver bread and cockles

  The fresh, briney flavour of the cockles are perfect with bacon. Mop up the juices with savoury laver bread to complete this traditional Welsh dish by Mark Hix

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  Brie soup

  A warming cheese soup from The Vegetarian Society served with little cranberry toasts

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  Lebanese borek

  Crisp little cigars of feta-filled filo pastry make a great snack or starter in this hassle free recipe from Janet Brinkworth

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  Maple-poached pears with bourbon cream

  If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth, try Diana Henry's syrupy pears with caramalised pecans

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  Haunch of venison with red wine and tangy beetroot puree

  Paul Rankin creates a ruby red venison dish complementing the rich gamey meat with a red wine sauce and zingy beetroot puree

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  Pennette al forno (four cheese pasta bake with ham)

  For a simple, hearty meal al'Italiano try Gino D'Acampo's pasta bake, flavoured with four tasty cheeses