For many of us, Mary Berry is the go-to authority on effortless home cooking and baking – and, with her latest cookbook Mary’s Foolproof Dinners and accompanying BBC2 series, she’s made it even easier to find the perfect recipe for your evening meals.
There’s lots to love about this cookbook and its 120 must-try recipes. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites that you’ll find inside, from quick midweek meals and crowd-pleasing canapés, to date night dinners and desserts. Plus, don’t miss the accompanying BBC2 series – discover our recipe round-up here.
Recipes for making ahead
Garlic Chicken Fricassee
This classic French dish, featuring tender poached chicken in a creamy white wine sauce, can be made up to eight hours in advance and freezes well.
Black Forest Trifle
Take inspiration from an 80s classic with this easy trifle recipe, featuring layers of boozy soaked biscuits, tart cherry compote, and light yet rich whipped mascarpone.
Recipes for a crowd
Salmon and Dill Pickle Bites
For a lighter take on sausage rolls, these party-ready pastries have a fresh, herby salmon and cream cheese filling.
Potato Wedges with Bloody Mary Salt Mix
Finished with a lip-smacking seasoning and creamy dip on the side, these potato wedges are sure to spice up your next dinner spread.
Recipes for a quick meal
Horseradish Beef and Red Pepper Stir-fry
This inventive recipe uses the classic combination of beef and horseradish to create a flavourful stir-fry that packs a punch.
Asparagus and Fennel Salad with Tarragon Dressing
For something fresh and light, look no further than this simple yet delicious salad, complete with a zingy dressing of honey, mustard, and fresh tarragon for added brightness.
Dinner for two
Venison Steaks with Glazed Beets and Little Gem Salad
Venison is lean yet rich with flavour – and pairs beautifully with the side of redcurrant jelly-glazed beetroots in this recipe.
Baileys Ice Cream
All you need to make this boozy, luxurious ice cream is five ingredients, making it the perfect fuss-free dessert to make and store in your freezer.
Recipes for kids
Cottage Pie with Grated Double Potato Topping
Two kinds of potatoes, combined with a golden cheddar topping, make this classic with a twist a great option for feeding a hungry family.
Toffee Fudge Tart
Featuring a buttery biscuit base, indulgent toffee filling, and a light and tangy cream topping, this make-ahead dessert is a great post-dinner showstopper.
