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

Serve a festive, bright green bowl to kick off your Christmas meal. Kale is sweetened by the addition of peas, and lifted with a squeeze of zesty lime

Gather your friends for a relaxed evening – these baked red onions are special but simple to prepare, so you won’t be stuck in the kitchen

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

Try our easy starter – the filling can be made well in advance and chilled. Once your guests arrive, toast the crumpets and pile the filling on top

Enjoy these skewers as canapés at your next party. Flavoured with festive clementines, they're ideal at Christmas served with your choice of dips

Blend smoked mackerel with soft cheese, horseradish sauce and lemon juice to make this easy paté. Top with a sprinkling of cayenne and serve with toast