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 4

Turkey Feuilletes

This is good, homely, comfort food but, served in individual portions, it's elegant enough to serve at a supper party.

Makes 24 (18 if using 1lb/450g mincemeat)

Traditional Mince Pies

For Delia, this family recipe - made by both her grandmother and mother - brings back happy memories of freshly baked trays of mince pies on Christmas Eve.

Serves 4

Christmas Eve Hot Smoked Salmon Pie

This would be my choice for Christmas Eve supper – done and dusted in the morning, or even the day before, then just whisked out of the fridge and into the oven.

Makes 24

This is both lighter than the traditional kind and so much faster to make if you’re short of time – but as with traditional mince pies you’ll need to provide small plates and napkins to catch the crumbs.

Serves 6

Christmas cracker puddings with mascarpone rum cream

This recipe is a lighter take on the Christmas pudding theme. You can make them a few hours ahead, and re-heat in a medium oven for about five minutes before serving.

Serves 4-6

Cheese and Vegetable Wholewheat Flan

For this recipe – ideal for vegetarians – I use a 7 inch (18 cm) metal pie plate with a rim which is about 1½ inches (4 cm) deep.

Makes 8

Caramelised Balsamic and Red Onion Tarts with Goats' Cheese

The long, slow cooking of red onions and balsamic vinegar gives a lovely sweet, concentrated caramel consistency. These are then spooned into crisp cheese pastry cases and topped with melted goats' cheese and sage. Serve them as a special first cours

Makes 24

Caramelised Onion Tartlets with Goats' Cheese and Thyme

When we made these tartlets for the photography, we couldn't stop eating them! Crisp, light pastry with such a luscious filling – and also lovely as a first course at a supper party.

Makes 6 scones

Buttermilk Scones with Cheshire Cheese and Chives

Cheese scones can be a bit bland, but here Delia has used tangy Cheshire cheese and peppery chives to add bite and colour. Give them a try - they're perfect for tea!