Pastry

Get the technique right - see our How to Cook section if you are new to pastry - and you can whiz up any number of pastry confections from pies to tarts, teatime treats and family puddings.

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Serves 8

Pumpkin Pie

This American classic recipe uses a version of shortcrust pastry that is used for sweet open-faced flans and tarts. It's richer than shortcrust, but very crisp, and the eggs give it a shortbread quality. Nuts can sometimes be added; here there are toasted

Serves 4-6

Root Vegetable, Cheese and Onion Pot Pie

In winter, when root vegetables are in season and full of flavour, this easy pie makes a wonderful alternative to meat or fish and will appeal to vegetarians if you replace the lard with other vegetable fat.

Makes 28

The Fastest Mince Pies Ever

Seriously, these are made in minutes, thanks to ready-made pastry and mincemeat. You can even freeze them and pop them in the oven straight from the freezer: perfect when unexpected guests drop in over Christmas!

Serves 8

Traditional Apple Pie with a Cheddar Crust

Adding cheese to the pastry gives this pie an added element of indulgence and, as everyone knows, cheese and apples go together extremely well. So, for a pukka pie with a twist, give it a try!

Serves 8 as a first course

Asparagus Feuilletés

These wonderful feuilletes would make an impressive starter for a summer gathering and, again, combine asparagus with melting cheese - one of food's most perfect combinations.

Makes 6 oz (175 g) finished weight of pastry – enough to line a 7 or 8 inch (18 or 20 cm) flan or quiche tin

Basic Shortcrust Pastry

The cornerstone of all your pies, tarts and sweet treats, it's essential that you master the art of shortcrust pastry. But it's really not that hard, as Delia explains.

Serves 6

Lemon Millefeuille

Light and lemony, this may look like a work of art but it's actually very easy to make. Prepare all the elements in advance then just assemble it before serving…adding summer berries alongside if you wish.

Serves 4

Mini Boeufs en Croute

Beef en croute is a dinner party classic and loved by everyone! Here, Delia has made individual portions that look beautiful and taste even better.

Serves 6

Oven-roasted Ratatouille and Mozzarella Strudel with Parmesan and Pecans

Filo pastry is made ready to use, so no tedious rolling out and all that buttery, wafer-thin crunchiness is guaranteed. This filling makes a very special strudel, perfect for entertaining.