20 superfine recipes

A batch cranberry cosmopolitan you mix by the pitcher, vodka, cranberry, lime, and Cointreau with a fresh ginger kick. Shake to frosty, strain into a sugar-rimmed glass, and serve a crowd.

Fruit Cheeses are closely related to jams and jellies but have a firmer texture and are usually served moulded and cut into chunks as an accompaniment to roast or cold meats. Quince really makes the best cheese and is a wonderful rich amber colour. It is a particular speciality of Spain and is traditionally eaten as a sweet snack. This recipe will keep for 2 years and makes a wonderful and unusual gift.

Marinated mushroom salad in a tangy mustard-herb vinaigrette with white wine vinegar, parsley, and chives. A French-style cold appetizer that improves after hours of marinating in the fridge.

Chilled prawn salad with melon balls, strawberries, avocado, and celery in a fresh strawberry-orange dressing. A light, elegant appetizer that's naturally low in fat and ready in 30 minutes with no cooking.

Thin salmon escalopes grilled in barely a minute and served in a frothy champagne and chive cream sauce. An elegant, restaurant-style dish that cooks fast yet looks dinner-party special.

Chocolate pistachio meringue cookies with finely ground pistachios and semi-sweet chocolate folded into stiff egg white peaks. Light, crisp, naturally gluten-free, and just 6 ingredients.

Chicken legs slathered in a punchy glaze of dry mustard, curry powder, Worcestershire sauce, and brown pickle, then baked until bronzed and sticky. A proper British classic with just 8 ingredients.

Chinese cold cucumber salad with soy sauce, sesame oil, and white wine vinegar. A crisp, no-cook side dish that comes together in minutes with just six ingredients.

Classic British soused herrings slow-baked in a tangy bath of white wine vinegar, lemon juice, Marmite, and pickling spices. Served cold as a traditional pub-style appetizer.

Note: In lieu of fresh trout, 1/2 lb cooked and flaked fish may be used. Make smaller protions and serve as an appetizer. Oatcakes that have been gently warmed in the oven go well with this dish.

Grilled goat cheese salad with sweet-and-sour caramelized Spanish onions, sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, and mixed greens. A classic French bistro starter that eats like a full meal.

Cherry and almond Christmas cake: maraschino cherries, apricots, ginger, and almonds macerated in amaretto and brandy, baked into a lighter apple-puree batter, then soaked in more amaretto. A boozy, fruit-packed festive cake that keeps for a month.

Thai red fish cakes (tod mun pla) with red curry paste, lemongrass, lime zest, and crunchy green beans. Bouncy texture, fragrant heat, perfect with sweet chili sauce.

Seedless raspberry puree (coulis) with superfine sugar and kirsch. Sieved smooth for drizzling over desserts, cheesecakes, ice cream, and plated sweets.

Chestnut meringues with chopped marrons glaces folded through crisp, snowy French meringue, dusted with cocoa. A delicate, old-world European cookie for tea trays and holiday gift tins.

Add a kick to your Christmas party with this drink which is sure to keep everyone in the holiday spirit.