Budget Christmas starters

The restaurant trick of giving the same ingredient a couple of treatments turns a simple dish into an impressive starter

This French-inspired warming soup uses chutney to add a delicious sweetness

This low-fat, easy pâté is a perfect vegetarian starter

This simple starter is a great way to use up leftover ham and you can freeze it ahead

Use up leftover mash to create a comforting, good-value family meal

Make cheese straws with the added flavours of sesame and poppy seeds, dried onion flakes and sea salt. They're perfect snacks to serve with cocktails