Making the most of festive feasting – buffets, shortcuts and leftovers

There’s no point trying to deny it any longer – ‘It’s Christmas!’ in the words of the Slade hit (which was number one as I arrived in the world).

So here’s a round up of some favourite recipes for serving up over the festive period – good things to share or make use of leftovers.

Little cheesy onion tarts

Cheese and sweet onion tartlets which I always make for Boxing Day

Smoked mackerel pate

Easy storecupboard pate (works with tuna too) – great on toasted ciabatta

Turkey and ham pie

Creamy filling of turkey, ham and leeks under light puff pastry. Good way to use up leftovers

Tsatsiki

Cooling cucumber, garlic and yoghurt dip to go with spicy meats or salads

Saffron mayo

Easy mayo to turn leftovers into something special

Simply chicken curry

Another good use for leftover meat

Cheese and onion pie

A great veg dish in its own right or fab with some Christmas ham