An exotic, meat-free, prepare-ahead menu for 6

Dolmades (Stuffed Vine Leaves) 

You will find the vine leaves for this favourite easy recipe in packets in supermarkets. 

Pitta Bread Salad

 A Middle Eastern salad, originally called fattoush, this may sound unlikely but it really is good. It's robust and chunky with the fresh flavours of herbs and lemon – and dead simple to make. 

Gooseberry and Elderflower Jellies 

Jellies have played an increasing part in my repertoire in recent years, and this is largely because you can make really excellent jellies using various fruits and wines which provide a sophisticated dessert without too many calories.