
Last-minute Christmas recipes
Showing items 1 to 24 of 46
Last-minute Christmas loaf cake
Unexpected guests and no Christmas cake to serve? This last-minute loaf tastes as if it had been made in November. Decorate with a snow shower of icing sugar
Black Forest Christmas fool
A simple, quick and indulgent dessert you can rustle up in 10 minutes. If you want to make a non-alcoholic version, use a can of cherries in syrup instead
Quick Christmas pudding
This quick microwave Christmas pud, which uses shop-bought mincemeat, takes just 35 mins - simply combine the ingredients and cook on the day for a last-minute dessert
Christmas turkey
The easy roast turkey is cooked high and fast like a chicken, giving it extra crispy skin. It needs longer to rest so the meat can relax and stay succulent
Hot chocolate stirrers
We all know a few die hard chocolate fans - make them one of these hot choc stirrers as a gift and they'll never want to use powdered cocoa again
Membrillo, chorizo & cheddar toastie
Make a cosy night in even more indulgent with this meltingly good quince paste, spicy sausage and cheese toasted sandwich - the perfect winter pick-me-up
Buttered baby carrots
There's nothing better than soft, buttery carrots to go along with your favourite roast. You can keep this side simple or tweak it with our delicious twists
Gingerbread syrup
This simple syrup makes a lovely homemade gift and adds a festive flavour to drinks and desserts - stir into hot chocolate, warm apple juice or Prosecco, or drizzle over ice cream
Stuffed cherry peppers
These low-fat, gluten-free canapés can be put together in just 10 minutes - perfect as a last-minute party nibble
Easy turkey gravy
This simple gravy compliments delicately flavoured turkey meat and is quick enough to make at the last minute
Christmas punch
Treat your guests to a Christmas punch. It's a blend of prosecco, sloe gin, Jägermeister and apple juice, together with festive clementine and ginger
Smoked salmon carpaccio
James Martin's stunning seafood starter is guaranteed to impress at any dinner party - layer with beetroot, orange and tangy horseradish cream
Quick pickled red onions
These colourful, spiced sweet and sour onions add piquancy to a ploughman’s, or a sharp finish to Mexican food - an ideal edible gift to make ahead and pop in a homemade hamper
Fruitcake with cheese & apples
The classic combination of apples and cheese is given a lift with thin slices of sweet fruitcake - a great festive party canapé or buffet treat
Microwave boozy fudge
Also known as miracle fudge, this indulgent sweet treat is made in minutes in the microwave, and makes for an ideal last-minute edible gift – no sugar thermometer required
Ham & stem ginger thins
This simple canapé is easy to assemble and has only three ingredients, yet looks great as part of a party platter or buffet
Carrot & tarragon purée
This super simple, yet delicious, side dish has just three ingredients - perfect for no-fuss entertaining or with a laid-back Sunday roast
Easy Thanksgiving turkey
This easy roast turkey recipe with sage and onion butter and a rich gravy won't let you down on the big day, perfect for feeding a crowd on Thanksgiving
Blinis with crème fraîche, roast beef & cornichons
Beautifully bite-sized canapés to hand round at your next party - just five ingredients and ready in 15 minutes
Salmon & prawns with dill & lime aïoli
For a simple, smart starter, just mix mayo with garlic, herbs and a squeeze of lime and serve with seafood and brown bread
Stir-fried sprouts with green beans, lemon & pine nuts
This fresh idea for your Christmas sprouts is a good source of both vitamin C and folic acid
Rosemary & garlic roast potatoes with chipolatas
Give your roasties a little style and originality with rosemary, garlic and chipolatas
No-cook spiced apple chutney
This storecupboard relish has all the flavours of a classic cooked chutney but with more bite. It makes a great last minute accompaniment to a cheese board or ham
Chocolate tree cake
An easy yet stunning decorative idea which will put those surplus Christmas chocolates to good use