RECOMMENDATIONS

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  Mince pies

  Mini-sized mince pies add sweetness to any Christmas - from Sophie Conran's Pies

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  Lasagna

  Kenny Logan’s recipe combines the traditional Italian, by the inclusion of milk which gives a wonderful mellow rather than acidy tomato flavour, and the not so traditional Scottish with the use of a sharp cheddar

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  Vanilla cup cakes

  A creamy white chocolate icing tops Bill Granger's gorgeous little cup cakes

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  Mussels in sweet and sour chilli sauce

  Mussels make the perfect mid-week supper as they take virtually no time to prepare and taste absolutely delicious, especially with this sweet and sour chilli sauce.

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  Sloe recovery

  Andy Pearson makes a healthy cocktail packed with vitamins and sloe gin to boost the immune and digestive systems

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  Grilled mussels with chorizo

  Thomasina Miers makes a sizzling Spanish dish that goes perfectly with a chilled dry sherry and some marinated olives

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  Shrimp in sherry sauce

  Matthew Fort pays homage to the Galloping Gourmet chef Graham Kerr with his dish of prawns in a creamy egg sherry sauce

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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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  Strawberry trifle

  Matt Tebbutt uses fresh English strawberries to make the jelly, but isn’t afraid to cheat with custard powder in his perfect summer trifle

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  Potted tea-smoked mackerel

  Ollie Pudney gives smoked mackerel a delicate twist with the refreshing aroma of camomile tea