Christmas is a time for getting together, enjoying good food and spending quality time with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or looking for easy but impressive canapés to make on the big day, these recipes offer plenty of festive inspiration. From juicy coconut prawns to mini vegetarian tartlets to shepherd’s pie fritters, these recipes offer something a little different and are so much more enjoyable than the shop-bought alternatives.
Mary Berry’s Chestnut, Cranberry and Brie Parcels
With a festive chestnut, cranberry and brie filling, Mary Berry’s delicate parcels offer a taste of Christmas in every bite.
From the book
Mary Berry Cooks Up A Feast: Favourite Recipes for Occasions and Celebrations
Mary’s reliable recipes for every celebration
From party platters and canapés to mains and desserts
All the festive cooking inspiration you need
Mini Cheese and Tomato Tartlets
These pretty tartlets make for the best vegetarian canapés: melt-in-your-mouth pastry encases cherry tomatoes, onion, thyme and Parmesan. This is one for the little ones to enjoy too.
Deep-fried Coconut Prawns
Rick Stein’s juicy king prawns are coated in coconut breadcrumbs, fried until crunchy and golden and served with an addictive spicy papaya dipping sauce.
Kimberley’s Pea Purée and Ham Tartlets
Any bake from The Great British Bake Off is bound to be good. These are very thin, melt-in-your-mouth cheese tartlet cases filled with minty peas and topped with crisp sails made from Parmesan and Parma ham.
Shepherd’s Pie Fritters
With rich beef mince coated in golden, crisp breadcrumbs, these little fritters are as good as they sound. A guaranteed crowd pleaser.
Olive and Tomato Stars
These frankly adorable Christmas stars are cut from simple squares of puff pastry, with the corners folded in to create the festive shape. These are topped with cream cheese, sundried tomatoes and olives, but feel free to get inventive with your toppings – cream cheese and smoked salmon, paté or pesto would work just as well.
