Finger food
Essential at parties, or instead of a starter at an informal gathering, or to serve with drinks... these recipes will soon win a place in your regular repertoire as they're easy and irresistible!
Serves 4Anchoïade with Toasted Goats' Cheese Croutons
Anchovies, mi-cuit tomatoes, olives, oregano: all strong flavours, but combine them in a processor and you end up with this lovely pate-like result. Spread it on to toasted bread for a type of bruschetta - useful as nibbles at a party.
Serves 6Bloody Mary Tomatoes
These look quite deceptive – I mean, what harm is there in a bowl of little tomatoes? But once swallowed, never forgotten! All the kick of a bloody Mary in one bite. Don’t forget you need to start this two days in advance.
Serves 8-10Buche de Noel (Chocolate Chestnut Log)
Light and lovely, this chocolate chestnut log would make a great centrepiece at a Christmas party.
Makes 12, to serve 4-6Bruschettas with Goats' Cheese, Basil and Tomato
This recipe is simplicity itself, but it has a wonderful combination of flavours and a very crunchy texture.
Serves 8Antipasti
What could be easier? Just choose some meats, cheese, pickles and bread for a feast full of Italian flavour!
Makes 20 mini or 6 man-sized muffinsBlueberry and Pecan American Muffins
I love American home cooking, and one of the things I feel Americans are particularly good at is baking (both at home and commercially). The American muffin reigns supreme – not like the British bread version but more like superior fairy cakes and o
Makes 12, to serve 4-6Bruschetta with Tomato and Basil
Bruschetta is a very special type of toasted bread, pronounced 'brusketta'. When I first tasted the real thing in Tuscany, it was one of the most memorable eating experiences of my life. Italian country bread is toasted on both sides over hot, fragra
Serves 10-12Chocolate Hazelnut Meringue Roulade
When we first put this on the menu at Delia's City Brasserie at the football club, it was one of the fastest-selling desserts ever. Please don't worry about rolling it up – if it cracks, it's quite normal. It's lovely having the layers of meringue an
Serves 1Anchoïade
This is a really gutsy snack, served on toasted French bread, and redolent of sunny picnics in Provence! If you're wondering what to do with the rest of the anchovy fillets, cover them in a bowl with clingfilm and store to use later for Pizza Amalfit
Serves 6 (Makes 18-20 blinis)Buckwheat Blinis with Smoked Salmon, Creme Fraiche and Dill - recipe cost £5.98 (99p each)
Homemade blinis (fluffy yeast pancakes) are very easy to make, cheaper than buying them, and oh so much nicer when homemade.
