Last-minute Christmas recipes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These low-fat, gluten-free canapés can be put together in just 10 minutes - perfect as a last-minute party nibble

This simple gravy compliments delicately flavoured turkey meat and is quick enough to make at the last minute

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

James Martin's stunning seafood starter is guaranteed to impress at any dinner party - layer with beetroot, orange and tangy horseradish cream

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

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

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

This simple canapé is easy to assemble and has only three ingredients, yet looks great as part of a party platter or buffet

This super simple, yet delicious, side dish has just three ingredients - perfect for no-fuss entertaining or with a laid-back Sunday roast

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

Beautifully bite-sized canapés to hand round at your next party - just five ingredients and ready in 15 minutes

For a simple, smart starter, just mix mayo with garlic, herbs and a squeeze of lime and serve with seafood and brown bread

This fresh idea for your Christmas sprouts is a good source of both vitamin C and folic acid

Give your roasties a little style and originality with rosemary, garlic and chipolatas

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

An easy yet stunning decorative idea which will put those surplus Christmas chocolates to good use