Looking for budget canapé ideas? Put together an impressive spread of party nibbles using simple ingredients and storecupboard staples
Whether you're throwing a festive bash, celebrating a special occasion or watching a big sporting match, a tempting array of finger foods never goes amiss. We know it's easy to splash the cash when entertaining a crowd, so we've rounded up our best budget-friendly bites to help take the stress out of party planning. With a few inventive ingredient pairings, you can transform simple storecupboard staples and basic ingredients into an alluring appetiser. From elevating a pack of puff pastry or block of cheddar to reinventing the humble boiled egg – we have lots of thrifty ideas for your perfect party spread. Discover more easy canapé recipes and party recipes, plus check out our list of storecupboard canapés and budget dinner party ideas. Planning on throwing a tea party? Find everything you need in this guide to the best budget-friendly afternoon tea ideas. For more money-saving tips and cookery inspiration, visit our main budget hub page. Want to accompany your nibbles with a bowl of silky hummus or tangy cheese sauce? See our collection of dip recipes for plenty of mouthwatering mixtures. Now discover our budget party finger food ideas, budget dinner party ideas and our party recipes on a budget. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. 20 easy budget canapé ideas 1. Mini sausage rolls An all-time party canapé classic, these miniature marvels are sure to disappear in a flash at your next do. They couldn't be simpler to make – all you need is a few basic ingredients such as a pack of puff pastry and sausagemeat. You can also make them ahead and freeze them on a tray for up to a month before baking. They'll go down a treat served with tomato ketchup or sweet chilli sauce. 2. Air-fryer arancini As well as making the most of simple ingredients, these crunchy rice balls are baked in your air-fryer, meaning you'll save on energy costs as well as time spent in the kitchen. Win-win! Check out our air-fryer recipes for beginners. 3. Spicy sardine dip Using a can of sardines will help keep costs down for this money-saving recipe. It's also no-cook and takes just 10 minutes to prepare – perfect for those impromptu get-togethers. Dive into more dips here. 4. Padron peppers Authentic Spanish tapas, this recipe requires just three ingredients: padron peppers, olive oil and a generous sprinkling of sea salt. Use a heavy frying pan or even your air-fryer to achieve the distinctive, blistered result. Try more veggie Spanish-inspired feasts. 5. Vegan mushroom pâté This plant-based pâté isn't just for vegans - everyone will love the creamy, umami-rich mushroom topping with candied walnuts - plus with no meat, you'll be helping to keep the costs down. 6. Multi-seed cheese straws Rustled up with shop-bought puff pastry, these cheese straws have a flavourful topping of onion flakes, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and flaky sea salt. Your guests won't be able to resist. We have an even quicker cheese straws recipe if you're very short on time (ready in under 20 minutes). 7. Brie & cranberry filo parcels Go bold on flavour with these irresistibly crispy filo parcels, filled with a moreish combination of tangy brie and tart cranberry sauce. A sprinkling of poppy seeds adds extra crunch and brushing the filo sheets in melted butter gives them a beautiful golden colour and crunch. Make them ahead for a wallet-friendly veggie appetiser and serve with extra cranberry sauce. 8. Vegan rainbow spring rolls Bring a touch of colour to the buffet table by encasing chopped batons of fresh veg in edible wrappers. These vibrant vegan rainbow spring rolls are delicious served with a sweet chilli dipping sauce. We've used fresh mango in the recipe, but you can cut costs by omitting it and customising with your choice of fruit and veg. For another thrifty plant-based nibble, check out our vegan garlic & herb 'cheese' balls. 9. Date & walnut cinnamon bites Who says canapés have to be savoury? Whip up these three-ingredient Medjool date and walnut bites in just five minutes. Finished with a sprinkling of cinnamon, they make a light and simple snack with just a hint of sweetness. Use up any leftover fruit to make our pecan-stuffed dates, if you like. Treat your guests to more sweet canapé recipes, from mini cheesecakes to melt-in-the-middle truffles. 10. Mozzarella sticks We don't think it gets much better than these crispy deep-fried cheese sticks with an oozing centre. Coated in a layer of breadcrumbs, paprika and oregano, they pack plenty of flavour with a few budget-friendly ingredients. Ideal for watching a big match or a summer party, serve them warm with your favourite dipping sauce. Use up any leftover mozzarella to make our bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. 11. Pork & chilli lettuce cups Fresh lettuce leaves provide a brilliant bite-sized vessel for serving a spicy pork mince filling. These Thai-inspired lettuce cups are simple to assemble and the filling can be frozen for up to two months, if needed. Pork mince makes a cheaper alternative to beef and is full of flavour, complemented by the addition of fish sauce and lemongrass. Garnish with thinly sliced spring onions, carrots and chopped herbs. 12. Courgette pakoras This vegan snack is a moreish nibble to add to your party table. Deep-fry balls of grated courgettes with warming spices ready to dunk into your chutney of choice – we love it with mango. 13. Caramelised mushroom tartlets These mini tartlets look impressive but are deceptively easy and cheap to make. Rather than using a pastry base, you can cut out circles from sliced white sandwich bread (freeze any leftovers for breadcrumbs) and use them to line a tartlet tin. Top these with a mixture of caramelised onions and mushrooms plus a sprinkling of cheddar, then bake for 10-15 mins. The resulting crisp and golden tarts look stunning on a platter with a garnish of thyme. They aren't likely to hang around for long! 14. Devilled eggs Bring back a 70s classic at your next drinks party with these dainty and cost-effective bites that truly elevate the humble boiled egg. The devilled eggs are filled with a creamy mixture of mustard, spring onions, mayo, yogurt and cayenne. Topped with chopped chives, they are effortlessly elegant and devilishly good! Our easy coronation chicken is another retro classic that will go down a storm at a party. 15. Bourekas These tempting, pastry parcels are filled with a mixture of crumbled feta, cottage cheese and mature cheddar. Making the most of ready rolled puff pastry, you can throw these veggie nibbles together without any faff. 16. Pull-apart meatball sliders Everybody loves a slider and these are incredibly quick and easy to make from start to finish. Using supermarket bread rolls and pre-made pasta sauce all you have to do is cook your meatballs, assemble the sliders, then bake. They'll become a firm family favourite. 17. Chickpea panisse A classic French snack with only two ingredients, it doesn't get much easier than this! Made with chickpea flour and olive oil, it's a great one to serve to gluten-free guests. Discover more gluten-free snack recipes. 18. Dolma These vine leaves are stuffed with a purse-friendly mixture of tomatoes, onions and fresh herbs for an easy take on the classic Turkish street food snack. Although a little more work, you can make them ahead to take the stress out of hosting. 19. Air fryer falafel Use your trusty air fryer to make a budget-friendly version of falafel that's sure to go down a treat with guests. Serve with your favourite dips and budget salad recipes. 20. Black olive tapenade A no-cook option that comes together in just five minutes, tapenade sounds far fancier than it really is. Simply blitz black olives, capers and anchovies with olive oil and a little red wine vinegar. Plus, you can make it up to three days ahead – what's not to love? Now try our olive, cherry tomato & feta focaccia. Get more inspiration for low-cost entertaining Posh budget recipes Budget dinner party ideas Budget barbecue recipes One week of budget-friendly dinners Quick and easy microwave recipes Budget recipes Budget Christmas recipes Budget supermarket swaps Throwing a drinks party on a budget? Leave a comment below with any tips or questions you have...
Save money on Christmas shopping with our 20 edible gift recipes. From gingerbread biscuits to chocolate truffles, these tasty treats are also great for getting kids in the kitchen
View Green Video on the source website Enjoy a relaxed day baking some DIY treats with your kids during the Christmas holidays. These biscuit, chocolate and sweet recipes can all be created with the help of little hands and make the perfect festive gifts to give to family and friends. Wrap them up in pretty paper parcels, or place them in decorated boxes with a handwritten label for a personal touch. Check out our fun guide for more inspiration on edible gift projects for kids and Christmas baking projects for kids. And for a more adult present, why not try our homemade Christmas drinks gifts or top Christmas DIY crafts? The effort and special thought you put into customising each gift will be well appreciated. So whip out the festive baking aprons and prepare to get messy in the name of giving. For more gift ideas, check out our reviews section or browse our selection of gifts for foodies. Make a thoughtful present with our homemade Christmas drinks gifts or find out how to make a Christmas hamper. 1. Florentines Florentines make an ideal homemade Christmas gift, bursting with festive flavours from juicy glacé cherries and crunchy almonds. Dipped in rich chocolate, they provide a delightful sweet finish to a hearty meal. Best of all, these treats can be stored for up to four days, making them perfect for gifting or tucking into stockings. 2. Christmas jam Stir up this vibrant, seasonal spread, bursting with tangy cranberries and zesty orange. This spiced Christmas jam pairs beautifully with turkey or ham, and will keep for up to a month in the fridge after opening. Make it extra-special with a sprinkling of edible glitter to impress your friends or family. 3. Marrons glacés These candied chestnuts are a dazzling array of edible jewels and come together with only three humble ingredients. After their transformation, nestle them in a jar, where they'll remain perfectly preserved for up to two months. With each bite, you can savour the essence of Christmas, even when the holiday season is a distant memory. 4. Chai teabags These bespoke teabags are individually filled with a warming spice mix. Simply toast cardamom pods, ginger, cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg and cloves in a dry frying pan for 1 minute, then combine with black assam tea leaves and package in empty teabags. 5. Christmas shortbread biscuits Enhance the charm of these splendid Christmas biscuits by adorning them with your choice of candied orange peel, delicately flaked almonds, or the vibrant zest of freeze-dried raspberries. These cookies are great for baking with kids since they're simple and quick to make, taking under an hour from start to finish. The decorating doesn't have to be perfect, so it's a relaxed and enjoyable activity for everyone involved. 6. Manchego & chorizo melting biscuits Our moreish cheesy biscuits make a perfect gift for those who prefer something savoury. Seasoned with sweet smoked paprika and fennel seeds, they're loaded with spicy chorizo and sharp manchego cheese. 7. Hot chocolate stirrers For the dedicated chocolate lover in your life, these homemade hot chocolate stirrers are a gift they'll cherish—once they try them, they'll never look at powdered cocoa the same way again! This simple recipe yields six delightful stirrers, making it a fantastic way to get a head start on your gift-giving. Prepare them in one go, and you’ll have thoughtful presents ready for six lucky recipients. 8. Tiramisu truffles Infuse luxurious chocolate truffles with the classic flavour of tiramisu. Coated in white chocolate, the truffles are filled with ganache made from double cream, dark chocolate, espresso and marsala. 9. Spiced fig & plum chutney This Christmassy spiced chutney is brimming with figs, plums, apple and whole spices for a delightful gift for foodie friends or family members. Make a bigger batch and keep a jar for yourself ready to slather onto crackers. 10. Funfetti biscuits These colourful cookies are sure to bring a smile to somebody's face and they're super simple to make. Just combine funfetti or rainbow sprinkles into a basic biscuit mixture for a stunning speckled effect. 11. Ricciarelli biscuits These Italian-inspired almond biscuits are so scrumptious that you'll find yourself secretly debating whether to share them with others or savour every bite for yourself. These cookies are the perfect present for those following a gluten-free diet. Ground almonds step in for traditional flour, making them a thoughtful and mouthwatering gift that caters to special dietary needs. 12. Snowy chocolate crackle biscuits Achieve a cool 'crackle' effect by rolling balls of chocolate biscuit dough in icing sugar to make them look like snow-topped pine cones when baked. These crunchy bitesize treats will keep for up to a week in an airtight container – just wrap the box in colourful paper for a pretty gift. We've got plenty more festive biscuit recipes. 13. Gingerbread stained glass biscuits It wouldn't be Christmas without gingerbread biscuits. The impressive stained glass effect here is easy to create by placing a hard-boiled sweet in the centre of each cut-out biscuit shape. This will melt and spread while in the oven to form a 'window'. Decorate them further by piping white icing around the edges, then display your edible ornaments by hanging them from the Christmas tree – that is, if you can resist eating them first! Check out more gorgeous gingerbread recipes. 14. Christmas truffles A box of chocolates is the ultimate gourmet gift at Christmas. Kids can get creative by choosing what coating to roll them in. We've gone for cocoa powder, sprinkles, edible lustre, icing sugar, or chopped nuts, but you can have fun experimenting. Special tip: Handling the truffles is less messy if you have cold hands, so rinse them under a cold tap first if you don't want chocolatey fingers. Try more of our indulgent truffle recipes. 15. Bourbon biscuits Add some festive hues to classic bourbon biscuits using a spot of food colouring. Little ones can get involved with piping the filling in pink, white and chocolate, or whatever colour takes their fancy. These Neapolitan-style biscuits take only 10 minutes to bake and can be finished off with a dusting of sugar. They will soften after a while so are best eaten the day they are iced. 16. Cheese & rosemary biscuits Sweet treats are often in abundance during the Christmas holidays, so if you're craving something savoury, we have the perfect homemade snacks. These moreish cheddar and rosemary biscuits are likely to be gobbled up before you can even place them in gift boxes! With a simple, elegant design and satisfyingly tangy flavour, they'll also go down well as part of the cheese course at a dinner party. 17. Reindeer & snowman chocolate bark Kids will love decorating chocolate bark with cute little reindeer and snowman faces. The swish swirled bark effect can be achieved by pouring melted milk chocolate over dark and stirring them slightly. For the toppings, we've used Smarties, marshmallows, pretzels, jelly laces, sprinkles and icing pens. Make an easy gift to give to classmates or family by snapping the bark into shards, popping in a bag and tying with a pretty ribbon. 18. Polar bear peppermint creams Make these adorable minty treats using only four ingredients. The bear faces are shaped from a sweet dough made from icing sugar, egg white and a few drops of peppermint essence. A little chocolate button nose completes the look. You can have these cute bears bagged up in just half an hour, making them a super simple last-minute gift. Alternatively, if you want a more classic cream, just coat small pieces in melted dark chocolate. Create more beautiful confectionary with our Christmas sweet recipes. 19. Iced mince pies Transform your ordinary minced pies into a vibrant delight by drizzling them with a zesty lemon icing and crowning them with a medley of dried cranberries, glimmering glacé cherries, playful coloured sprinkles, and delicate pistachio slivers. For those who like to plan, you can take a proactive approach by preparing your pastry up to three months before the festive season and freezing it for future use. You can even divide the pastry into smaller portions, ensuring you can bake these gifts at your leisure throughout the holiday season, spreading the joy one delicious pie at a time. 20. Apple pie cookie kit Capturing the comforting flavours of apple pie in a jar, our festive biscuit mix is the ideal present for all cookie monsters! Layer the dry ingredients, topping with your loved one's favourite cookie fillings; for example, raisins, Smarties or chocolate chunks. Then, all they have to do is add the wet ingredients and bake, giving them an easy shortcut to something fresh, warm and delicious. Simply write out the instructions or attach our printable label outlining the final steps for their festive baking session. Put together more edible gift kits. Discover more delicious edible gifts and projects... Christmas gift recipes Homemade gift kit recipes Christmas cookies for kids Christmas projects for kids Christmas crafts for kids Edible gift projects for kids Top DIY Christmas crafts Have you made any edible gifts? Leave a comment below...
Catering for just two this Christmas? Make it extra special with our smaller festive mains such as roast duck, poached halibut and turkey pot pies, plus impressive vegetarian and vegan options
Even if Christmas is a smaller affair for you this year, it doesn't mean you should miss out on a quality festive lunch. We've rounded up 20 Christmas dinner ideas for two that can be enjoyed together, whether you want to share a whole roast bird, an easy salmon dish, or a plant-based option. Looking for more inspiration? See our Christmas menu for two, which covers everything from brunch through to festive desserts and snacks. Also, check out our extensive collection of dinners for two or browse our easy Christmas recipes for a range of ideas to suit different numbers of people and diets. 1. One-pan sirloin steak & creamy mushroom sauce Steaks are an excellent choice for a small Christmas gathering, allowing you to serve each one to order and ensure perfection every time. Paired with a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce, you can indulge in thick-cut chips, crispy roast potatoes, or a buttery mash for mopping up. 2. Golden-glazed carrot, mushroom & hazelnut tart These gorgeously sticky individual vegetable tarts make an elegant veggie dinner for two. With flaky puff pastry, shallot-fried mushrooms, maple-glazed carrots and a crunchy hazelnut topping, they are truly a treat for all the senses. Parts can be made a few days in advance, then assembled on the day, giving you more time to relax at Christmas. 3. Orange-stuffed Christmas duck Roast duck is a Christmas dinner classic, and this recipe takes things one step further with the addition of beautiful citrussy flavours. As well as stuffing the bird with orange halves, a boozy orange glaze and zingy gravy make it even more irresistible. We recommend serving it with watercress, buttery wilted spinach and potato rösti. 4. Chicken and mushroom wellington This wellington gives the impression that you’ve gone to a lot of effort, but it’s very simple to put together and can be embellished with extras like homemade pastry leaves, if you wish. Cutting into the golden flaky puffy pastry will reveal a gorgeously creamy mushroom and garlic sauce which helps to keep the chicken moist. You can also easily adapt the recipe to make it more seasonal by using pheasant breasts or incorporating a truffle-based condiment in the stuffing. If you really want to impress, we recommend serving with our truffle oil pomme purée, green beans with wholegrain mustard and easy red wine gravy. 5. Gochujang-glazed celeriac with black beans & green salsa Make the most of seasonal celeriac in an impressive veggie main. This earthy root vegetable is brought to life with a spicy gochujang chilli and soy bean glaze, then served with cumin-fried black beans and a punchy green salsa. 6. Quick honey & garlic pork chops These quick honey and garlic pork chops are a wonderfully versatile dinner option. They're easy enough for a midweek meal yet flavourful enough to shine as the star of your Christmas spread for two. Pair them with all the trimmings, and watch these pork chops come to life! Best of all, they can be ready to serve in just 15 minutes, making them a perfect choice for festive entertaining without the fuss. 7. Beef fillet, Marmite mash & roasted cabbage Cooking for two at Christmas gives you a chance to make a bit more of an effort, and seek out some special ingredients without breaking the bank. Treat yourselves to Tom Kerridge's elegant main of succulent sliced beef fillet with punchy Marmite butter mash and crispy charred hispi cabbage. It takes under an hour to prepare and cook, and the Marmite butter can also be made up to a day ahead. 8. Brown butter-poached halibut with celeriac purée & caper crumbs This sophisticated seafood dish really has the wow factor with its delicate flavour and texture. Browning the butter gives an extra depth to the fish, and can be added to the celeriac purée, too. If you can’t find halibut, use another firm white fish like pollack or plaice and adapt the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fillets. 9. Beetroot risotto with feta Showcase the sweet, earthy flavours of beetroot in a silky risotto. This vibrant veggie dish makes a comforting yet impressive festive main for two, topped with a garnish of crumbled feta, lemon zest and dill. 10. Turkey & mushroom pot pies Give the traditional British pie a special festive twist with turkey, streaky bacon and thyme. These individually portioned dishes are topped with a satisfyingly crisp puff pastry crust. Save time by using ready-made pastry and make the pies ahead, if you need a little more time on the day. They are delicious with garlicky fondant potatoes and crunchy broccoli. 11. Open ravioli with squash & porcini mushrooms Wanting to showcase your culinary skills? This delicate ravioli dish has a professional look and is full of rich flavours such as saffron and nutmeg. Similar to lasagne, layers of pasta are alternated with butternut squash and spinach, then served with mushrooms in a garlicky porcini dressing. 12. Chicken stuffed with herby mascarpone If you're looking for a speedy yet sophisticated Christmas dinner, these stuffed chicken breasts fit the bill. They're also ready in less than 30 minutes. The creamy rosemary and garlic mascarpone filling balances perfectly with the moist chicken and a crispy prosciutto wrapping. 13. Salmon & spinach with tartare cream One of our most popular salmon dishes, this simple pan-fried fillet is elevated with a fresh parsley and lemon cream sauce. Serve on a bed of spinach with a special side, such as these lemon-roasted new potatoes. 14. Caramelised red onion & anchovy pasta with gremolata Christmas isn't just about the traditional roast; it's an opportunity to delight your special someone with a thoughtful, wholesome dish. Treat them to a luxurious caramelised onion and anchovy pasta, a recipe that requires a bit of extra prep but truly showcases your care. With just eight ingredients, this elegant dish promises rich flavours without the fuss. 15. Smoky steak with Cajun potatoes & spicy slaw Try our posh version of steak and chips for Christmas. Make it special by using bavette, the 'butchers' cut' of meat that makes a melt-in-the-mouth main. Cajun-spiced potatoes and spicy homemade slaw make a refreshing accompaniment for the griddled steak pieces. 16. One-pan roast salmon with leeks, onions & parsley dressing Another showstopping salmon recipe, Tom Kerridge's simple one-pan roast delivers layer upon on layer of flavour with a punchy anchovy, caper, mustard and parsley dressing. This gluten-free main would work well with a side of crispy domino potatoes. 17. Roasted cauliflower steaks If you need a break from all the season's heavy eating, this light and stylish plant-based main is ideal. Cauliflower is the star of the dish here and we've accentuated its subtle flavours with a vibrant red pepper, parsley and caper salsa. An effortlessly elegant main, all you need to do is lightly roast the cauliflower steaks in paprika until crisp, then serve topped with the salsa plus a sprinkling of flaked almonds. 18. Seared duck with ginger mash Try our lighter twist on traditional roast duck, with a simple but special dish which just happens to deliver four of your 5-a-day. This pan-seared duck recipe is bursting with zingy ginger, which is combined with orange zest in the duck marinade as well as as flavouring the sweet potato mash and onion garnish. Serve with steamed broccoli and sprouts for a healthy and satisfying dinner. 19. Beetroot and shallot tatins With crisp, buttery puff pastry and a sticky maple-roasted beetroot and shallot filling, these tatins make an indulgent Christmas main, yet couldn't be easier to prepare. Serve with a sprinkling of peppery rocket and a side of roasted spiced carrots & labneh, if you wish. 20. Spiced pork fillet with shallots & apple Push the boat out by serving succulent pork tenderloin fillets, subtly spiced with hints of garam masala and cooked in foil with a banana shallot. Go for the best-quality pork and don't be afraid to serve it ever so slightly pink to keep it juicy. We've accompanied it with crisp sliced apple cheeks and domino potatoes. Side idea: Yorkshire puddings for two Serve your festive main with perfectly light and crispy Yorkies – perfect for soaking up the gravy. This Yorkshire puddings for two recipe makes either two large or four medium sized puddings, and the quantities can also easily be doubled to feed more. Get more Christmas meal ideas... Christmas menu for two Vegetarian Christmas menu Vegan Christmas menu Gluten-free Christmas menu Quick Christmas recipes Classic Christmas menu Alternative Christmas dinner recipes All our Christmas menus Christmas portion planner Sharing Christmas dinner with one other person this year? Let us know what you make...
Discover our favourite Christmas cookie and biscuit recipes. Because they're easy enough for kids to help make, they're an ideal project to get the family feeling festive.
Nothing says Christmas like the aroma of sugar and spice, excited children and a bunch of well-used cookie cutters. All of these recipes have become firm family favourites and they also make great gifts for family and friends. From charming snowmen to chocolate crinkle cookies, we've got plenty of cute ideas to get everyone in the festive spirit. For more inspiration, also check out our Christmas for kids recipes, Christmas biscuit recipes and Christmas baking ideas. 1. Snowman cookies We created these cute cookies to celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Snowman and no one, young or old, will be able to resist. If your child's favourite part of baking is the decorating, then you can bake and freeze the biscuits ahead of time and bring them out for a winter's day activity. Snowman cookies Can't get enough of these friendly festive characters? Also try our melting snowman biscuits and snowman cake. 2. Sugar cookies These simple yet stunning iced sugar cookies are perfect for introducing your little ones to baking. Teach them how to mix up a basic biscuit dough and make some shapes with cookie cutters. These buttery biscuits only take 10 minutes to bake, but make sure to let them cool down before decorating. Kids will love getting creative with icing and sprinkles – show them how to use piping bags to make some pretty patterns. Sugar cookies 3. Christmas chocolate crinkle cookies What isn't there to love about crinkle cookies? With a rich, fudgy centre and sugar-dusted crispy edge, these chocolatey nuggets make the perfect bitesize snack. Try our extra-festive version with orange zest, mixed spice and cinnamon – delicious with a cup of tea or steaming hot chocolate. Christmas chocolate crinkle cookies Looking for more crinkle cookie inspiration? Try our classic chocolate fudge crinkle biscuits or mix it up with fun variations such as chocolate fudge sprinkle-crinkle biscuits and chocolate orange fudge crinkle biscuits. 4. Oreo reindeer cookies These Oreo reindeers are as cute as they are easy to make. Simply dip them in your melted chocolate of choice and top with pretzel antlers, candy eyes and the classic red nose. Wrap up for an adorable homemade gift or enjoy over the festive period. Oreo reindeers 5. Mince pie cookies Mince pies and cookies are two of our favourite Christmas treats, so why not combine them? These fun festive biscuits incorporate mincemeat and dark chocolate chunks with a touch of cinnamon, giving them a rich, gooey centre and crispy outside. They are also great for using up any leftover mincemeat, so you'll be avoiding food waste as well as baking a tasty treat. Try our mince pie brownies, mince pie baklava and cinnamon swirl mince pies for more festive foodie mash-ups. 6. Honey & spice cookies Make the most of your Christmas cutters and take gingerbread to the next level with a special festive spice, the secret ingredient of these cookies. The spice can also be used in other recipes, including our Christmass latte, spiced buttercream and even chicken wings. Kids will love cutting out the shapes and getting stuck into plenty of dipping fun. The dough makes around 35 cookies so everyone will get the chance for a bit of decorating. Honey and spice biscuits 7. Snow globe cookies Looking for something to hang on the tree? These snow globe biscuits will look absolutely magical with fairy lights shining through the middles. They take a bit of effort but are a great project to occupy older kids. The cut-out biscuit centres are filled with crushed mints which melt in the oven to make a glass window effect. Finish with a scattering of edible sprinkles and stars, and you've have a dazzling decoration which is almost too pretty to eat! Snow globe cookies 8. Gingerbread cookies It wouldn't be Christmas without gingerbread, so naturally we thought it best to recreate this popular festive bake in cookie form. Enriched with a fragrant mix of cinnamon, cloves and ginger spice, these moreish biscuits are sure to fill the house with festive aromas while baking. Gingerbread cookies Looking for more gingerbread ideas? Check out our ultimate easy gingerbread, vegan gingerbread and fun gingerbread jumpers. 9. Jammy star cookies Set your little stars the challenge of making these joyously jammy cookie sandwiches. A festive take on the Jammie Dodger, these retro fruity bakes look dazzling but are pretty simple to make. Equipment-wise all you need are two shapes of cookie cutter and some piping bags to make the jammy icing filling. They are sure to have everyone going starry eyed! also try out our indulgent British classic pudding, Queen of Puddings recipe. Jammy star cookies 10. Edible name place cookies If you're entertaining on Christmas Day, here's a brilliant project to keep excited kids busy on Christmas Eve – edible place holders. They will love creating the finishing touches for the table. And if you haven't got time to start baking from scratch, they can decorate shop-bought cookies instead. Edible name place cookies Like this? You may also like... Our best Christmas biscuit recipes Christmas projects for kids Christmas crafts for kids All of our Christmas kids' recipes How to make salt dough Christmas cooking ideas for kids Christmas Eve box ideas for kids, teens and adults We'd love to see your homemade creations! Tag us @bbcgoodfood and use #bbcgoodfood and we'll share some of our favourites.
Waste not, want not – when it comes to the big bird there’s bound to be leftovers. We share our favourite leftover turkey ideas and offer some tips on storage.
Whether you've opted for a full roast turkey, or the more diminutive turkey crown and turkey breast, it's highly likely that there’ll be some meat left after the big Christmas dinner, whatever cut you choose. While the humble turkey sandwich of course has its place, the versatility of this lean, mild meat means it can work much harder. From creamy curries to stir-fries and salads, we've got plenty of ideas for using up cooked turkey and a range of other leftovers. How long does leftover turkey last? According to the Food Standards Agency, if leftovers have been refrigerated within 2 hours, then they should be safe to eat for up to 48 hours. Read more about Christmas food hygiene here. How to handle turkey leftovers safely Let your cooked turkey completely cool, then refrigerate at the first opportunity – within 90 minutes is best. Don’t leave your turkey hanging around all afternoon as it may become unsafe to eat. Bear this in mind before heading for your post-feasting nap. Leftover turkey should be eaten within two days, so if you don’t think you’ll get through it in time, stick it in the freezer in portions. If you do freeze your turkey for a later date, make sure it’s wrapped properly or put in a sealed container to avoid freezer burn. It’s also good to use sticky labels to add dates and descriptions to your frozen goods. If you’re storing your leftover cooked turkey in the fridge, put it on the middle shelf along with all your other ready-to-eat foods. Save the bottom shelf for raw meat and fish. Check out our guides on what to keep where at Christmas, how to freeze food at Christmas and what to put where in your kitchen. We also have plenty more leftover Christmas turkey recipes. Our guide on how to reheat turkey and keep it moist is also useful when using up the meat in leftovers. We also have the top 5 health benefits of turkey which details the nutritional value of this low-fat meat. Our top 30 turkey leftover recipes 1. Leftover turkey fricassee Winter is the season of comfort, so why not put your Christmas dinner leftovers to good use in this indulgent turkey fricassee? With a creamy mushroom sauce and splash of white wine, it's sure to keep those post-Christmas blues away. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's delicious served with pasta, mash or rice. Discover more leftover Christmas turkey recipes. 2. Turkey tikka masala Spice up your leftovers and turn them into a whole new dish that the family will love. Inspired by the nation's favourite curry, this fragrant turkey tikka masala delivers layers of flavour and gentle chilli heat in a rich, creamy sauce. Rather than making a separate curry paste, we've cooked everything in one pan, so you'll have less washing up to do. 3. Best ever Christmas leftovers sandwich The ideal Boxing Day lunch, make the most of Christmas Day leftovers in this celebratory sandwich, layered with pickled cabbage to cut through the richness. It'll be the envy of all of your family. See more Christmas sandwich recipes. 4. Next level turkey & ham pie Looking for a kitchen project to keep you occupied over the Christmas hols? This next level turkey and ham pie is not only a great use for your leftovers, but also a showstopping celebratory dish in its own right. Boost your pastry skills by making your own sage-infused shortcrust case, then generously fill with cooked meats, herbs and leeks in a creamy mustard sauce. This banquet-worthy dish is sure to please a crowd and equally delicious served warm for dinner or cold as part of a buffet spread. Check out more leftover turkey and ham recipes. 5. Leftover turkey loaded nachos These leftover turkey-loaded nachos are a great festive party platter or move night snack. Top your nachos with turkey, jalapenos and sour cream and dig in! Great with a side of salsa or guacamole. 6. Leftover turkey grain bowls Another nourishing meal to keep you feeling good over the festive season. These gluten-free leftover turkey grain bowls are packed full of wholesome ingredients, including avocados, lentils, probiotic yogurt and a crunchy rainbow slaw. Warming spices such as za’atar and harissa balance well with a zesty tahini dressing which brings this whole dish together. 7. Spicy turkey noodles With so much happening over the festive period, dinner prep can be a rather rushed affair. So it really helps to have a few quick and easy dishes such as these spicy turkey noodles up your sleeve. Ready in just half an hour, this simple stir-fry combines leftover turkey with noodles, spring onions and beansprouts in a zingy soy and lime sauce. We've used a red chilli to give it some heat but you can easily omit this if catering for youngsters. Throw in extra leftover veg such as shredded sprouts or carrots to make it even more scrumptious. Whip up more turkey stir-fry recipes. 8. Turkey & lemongrass noodle soup Make a bowl of pure warming comfort over the holidays with your leftover Christmas turkey. This recipe is as easy as it is flavourful, combining red Thai curry paste with fresh herbs, vermicelli noodles and tofu puffs. 9. Leftover turkey casserole A hearty one-pot to warm everyone up – this simple turkey casserole is ideal for using up all your Christmas leftovers, including the trimmings. Throw in any robust root vegetables, such as parsnips, carrots and celeriac. Simmered in a flavoursome honey and mustard stock, this stew is delicious served with mash or jacket potatoes. 10. Turkey curry patties Raise your lunch game with these marvellously meaty turkey curry patties. With just one bite, your tastebuds will be hit with a wonderful array of herbs and spices, all encased within a soft and crispy homemade turmeric pastry. These gorgeous golden patties are perfect for the days after the big meal, or you can easily freeze them for later. 11. Roast potato, turkey, sausage & stuffing pie There's nothing quite like a bubbling golden potato bake to welcome you at the end of a busy day. This easy roast potato, turkey, sausage & stuffing pie combines all the best bits from Christmas dinner in one. Put it together in just 10 mins and let the oven do the hard work. With a creamy mustard sauce filling and crispy cheesy topping, this comforting dish might even trump Christmas dinner itself. 12. Christmas pizza Kids will love this festive pizza, topped with leftover meat and, ingeniously, a scattering of stuffing. It might not be one for Italian food purists, but it's certainly won us round. 13. Leftover turkey & noodle soup This leftover turkey & noodle soup is a little like pho, a Vietnamese broth traditionally made with beef and served with a plate of zingy fresh herbs, chilli and lime on the side. The kick from the chilli is a great way to warm up on a cold winter's day. Also try our slow cooker turkey pho for a light supper, or check out more turkey soup recipes. 14. Leftover Christmas lunch patties with gochujang mayo Mix up all your leftover veg, stuffing and turkey meat for these delicious Christmas lunch patties. Simply add herbs and spices to elevate the flavour and enjoy. The tangy gochujang mayo adds a nice heat. 15. Turkey cacciatore with a twist This Italian-style bake will be a crowd-pleaser thanks to its cheesy breadcrumb topping and rich tomato sauce. Our easy turkey cacciatore is just the ticket when all the festive-themed food gets a bit much. 16. Korean rice pot Keep things nice and light with our speedy Korean-inspired rice pot. This healthy bibimbap combines diced turkey with spinach and shredded carrots, served on a bed of rice. Top with fried eggs and nutty sesame seeds. 17. Leftover turkey korma A gently spiced dish, with a nice creaminess to it, this leftover turkey korma is a great alternative meal to a heavy of Christmas dinner. Pair with naan or white rice and mango chutney for a taste explosion. 18. Mini turkey & cranberry pies If you’re in charge of any post-Christmas/pre-New Year entertaining, these mini turkey and cranberry pies will keep your guests happy – just add a block of shortcrust pastry to your big grocery shop. See our turkey pie recipes for more inspiration. 19. Turkey & pesto croissants Start your day right with this delicious turkey and pesto-filled croissant. Warm your croissants in the microwave or oven before filling them with your Christmas leftovers and anything else you fancy. 20. Coronation turkey with homemade chapatis This mildly-spiced treat will add a touch of retro charm to a Boxing Day spread. Pick up some roti flour and try your hand at these homemade chapatis with coronation turkey. 21. Leftover turkey slaw View Green Video on the source website Turn your turkey leftovers and other raw vegetable trimmings into a light and refreshing salad with a punchy lime dressing. Watch our video below and check out this guide for how to make turkey slaw. 22. Turkey cobb salad We have a healthy bowl of goodness with this turkey cobb salad. Add tomatoes, boiled eggs, pancetta, avocado, chicory leaves and that leftover turkey breast for a light and creamy salad. 23. Jewelled pistachio slaw A simple salad but one that packs so much flavour. Use up your leftover red cabbage, sprouts and turkey, mix up with pistachios, mint and the silky dressing; this jewelled pistachio slaw makes for a nutritious lunch and a way to prevent food waste post-Christmas. 24. Turkey pasta bake Make this low-cost, easy and filling turkey pasta bake. It's a great midweek meal for the family. Coat in cheese and top with extra pigs in blankets for a wonderful surprise. 25. Turkey minestrone A wintry soup is always a good choice when using up leftover meat and vegetables. This delicious turkey minestrone is simple to rustle up using storecupboard ingredients and leftover Christmas food. It's the perfect warming pick-me-up meal. 26. Leftover turkey wraps with cranberry sauce Whip up a delightful Boxing Day meal that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite. This quick lunch is a symphony of festive flavours, featuring surplus cranberry sauce, vibrant red cabbage and succulent leftover turkey. Perfect for savouring the holiday spirit even after the big day has passed. 27. Turkey & potato taquitos Transform your post-Christmas feast with these irresistible Mexican-inspired fried taquitos that use up leftover turkey and potatoes. Satisfy your culinary wanderlust as you embark on a journey of flavours, pairing these crispy delights with lettuce, soured cream, cheese, tangy pickled onions and zesty salsa. The best part? This recipe is designed for festive gatherings, generously serving up to eight people. 28. Slow-cooker turkey curry Maximise the potential of your leftover Christmas turkey with this brilliant recipe for a wholesome, low-calorie, protein-packed slow-cooker turkey curry. It’s an eco-friendly way to make use of any roasted veg that might be hanging around. 29. Curried lentil & turkey soup with kale Turn your Christmas turkey leftovers into a warm and hearty meal with our curried lentil & turkey soup, enriched with the robust goodness of kale. Not only does it bring your holiday flavours back to life, but it's also a nourishing option that won't break your calorie bank, thanks to its high fibre content. This soup masterpiece will be on your table in under an hour. Serve with freshly baked flatbreads to elevate your dining experience. 30. Bang bang turkey noodle salad Breathe new life into your Christmas leftovers with a vibrant, tastebud-tingling creation. After dedicating hours to the stove and oven, there's nothing more satisfying than a refreshing, no-cook noodle salad. This culinary masterpiece graces your table in under half an hour, sparing you from the kitchen's heat. Not only does it give your leftover turkey a fresh twist, but it's also a savvy way to utilise those lingering carrots and peanuts. Christmas leftover recipes Leftover Christmas turkey recipes Leftover Christmas ham recipes Family dinner ideas for Christmas leftovers 10 ways with leftover Christmas dessert How do you use up your leftover Christmas turkey? Leave a comment below.
Prep these spectacular Christmas puds days in advance, then spend more time with your family on the big day. Choose from our 10 best alternative festive desserts, from cheesecake to brownies
View Green Video on the source website Nobody wants to be slaving away in the kitchen following a hearty Christmas lunch. Our impressive make-ahead desserts will take the stress out of Christmas preparations, and allow you to spend more time with family and friends. Whether you've missed the boat on Stir-up Sunday or just fancy a departure from a traditional Christmas pudding, why not mix it up with exciting new flavours, such as rocky road cheesecake, retro white forest roulade or a next level trifle. These indulgent desserts can be kept in the fridge for several days before serving, allowing you to sit back and relax on the big day. Want to get ahead with more of your festive meal prep? Check out our collection of make-ahead Christmas recipes. Discover more festive treats in our Christmas dessert and no-bake Christmas dessert collections. We also have our alternative Christmas desserts and leftover Christmas dessert ideas, as well as our Christmas baking collection. 10 festive desserts you can make ahead 1. Rocky road cheesecake bombe Nothing merits the 'Christmas showstopper' title more than this majestic mash-up of three popular sweet treats in one chocolatey bombe. Marbled chocolate sponge walls give way to a surprise cheesecake and rocky road filling and a delightful array of tastes and textures. Although the hard work will have been done ahead of time, you'll still need to decorate this cheesecake before serving by covering it in a chocolatey glaze and toppings of your choice. We've gone with white chocolate drizzle, edible sprinkles and chocolate truffles. Choose from more cheesecake recipes. 2. Black forest traybake Turn black forest gateau into a party-ready Christmas dessert. Make a chocolate traybake to top with chocolate ganache, kirsch cream, roasted cherries and roasted hazelnuts for a crowd-pleasing treat that can be made up to three days in advance. Get more inspiration with our Christmas traybake recipes. 3. Irish cream tiramisu We're all for combining cultural influences in food and this tempting twist on a classic Italian dessert does just that. Flavour tiramisu with Irish cream liqueur for a brilliantly boozy pudding to round off a dinner party or Christmas Day meal. This light dessert can be prepared in under half an hour before chilling, making it a speedy saviour. Sprinkle with a dusting of cocoa powder and you're ready to go. Try more creamy tiramisu recipes. 4. White forest meringue roulade When it comes to retro dessert favourites, it's sometimes hard to break with tradition – but once you've tried our snowy spin on a black forest gateau, you won't be going back. This luxurious roulade combines white chocolate, meringue and cream with a velvety clove-spiced cherry sauce for a striking Christmas centrepiece. It can be frozen for up to a month. Defrost overnight and serve with cherries and a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Discover more roulade recipes. 5. Mince pie cheesecake Don't let those leftover mince pies go to waste! Instead, give them a spectacular second life by incorporating them into the decadent base of this cheesecake. It's not just a way to minimise Christmas food waste; it's a stroke of culinary genius Use up more festive bakes with our leftover Christmas pudding recipes. 6. Mince pie brownies Who doesn't love a warm brownie served with cream or ice cream? Make them even more festive with chunks of leftover mince pies for an easy treat that keeps for a week in an airtight container or a month in the freezer (if they don't get polished off before then). Discover more Christmas brownie recipes. 7. Retro trifle Take the classic trifle to a new level with our all-out indulgent makeover. Layers of raspberry jelly and rich clotted cream custard are topped with custard creams, double cream, sprinkles and maraschino cherries. This dazzling dessert will keep in the fridge for up to three days, saving you all the hassle of assembling it at the last minute. Check out our chocolate orange mini trifle for a delicious boozy alternative, and find even more ideas in our collection of Christmas trifle recipes. 8. Christmas pudding cheesecake Can't choose between a Christmas pudding or cheesecake? Then why not try a mouth-watering combination of both. With a boozy orange filling and crunchy gingerbread base, this simple chilled dessert is sure to become a festive favourite. For an extra flavour boost, caramelise some clementine slices using a kitchen blowtorch and arrange over the cheesecake. It will keep in the fridge for up to three days. See more of our gorgeous Christmas cheesecake recipes. 9. Jamaican ginger sponge pudding If you aren't a fan of traditional Christmas pudding, this decadent, sticky, spiced ginger pudding makes a great alternative. The sponge can be made up to a week ahead, so all you need to do is heat it on the day, and whip up a luscious rum caramel sauce to pour over. We recommend serving with a generous dollop of ice cream or whipped cream. 10. Coffee & Irish cream semifreddo wreath Delight your friends with this eye-catching semifreddo wreath. Flavoured with coffee granules and Irish cream liqueur, it offers a lighter and more contemporary dessert compared to classic Christmas pudding. This lovely dessert can serve up to 16 people and, for added convenience, it's freezable for up to two days ahead of serving, so you can spend more time with your guests. Discover more festive dessert showstoppers... Our best Christmas desserts Easy Christmas desserts 10 ways with leftover Christmas desserts Our most indulgent vegan Christmas desserts Festive dessert collection Christmas chocolate recipes Five ways with mince pies What's your favourite make-ahead Christmas dessert? Leave a comment below...
Celebrate the arrival of autumn and venture into the great outdoors to pick your own pumpkins. We've rounded up some of the best pumpkin patches and farms around the country for a fun family day out
This list of pumpkin patches was compiled with the help of DIYs.com, the world's largest DIY community. A true emblem of autumn, pumpkins are highly sought after in the lead up to Halloween. But where's the best place to source your seasonal squash? Supermarkets may have a plentiful supply but we think it's much more fun to make the most of the great outdoors and pick your own from a nearby farm. A wonderful variety of different shapes, sizes and colours awaits and kids will love being able to explore their local patch as well as taking part in any Halloween activities. UK pumpkin season roughly begins around late September or early October, though some harvests can start a little earlier, in July or August. Pumpkins can also be available through December. Whether you are seeking a jack-o'-lantern to carve into your scariest Halloween design, or simply turning it into a comforting soup, we've rounded up 34 of the best patches nationwide to choose your perfect pumpkin. As well as this, read our tips for picking pumpkins to make the most of your experience. Once you've picked and carved your pumpkin, put the leftovers to good use with our collection of sweet and savoury pumpkin recipes and top 10 ways to use up pumpkin leftovers. Want some carving inspiration? Check out our easy pumpkin carving ideas and carving templates, then find all the right equipment for the job with our review of pumpkin carving kits and tools. Top 34 pumpkin patches in the UK England Scotland Wales Northern Ireland England North West Kenyon Hall, Cheshire A family-run farm shop, café, pick-your-own experience, plant centre and play area near Warrington. Pumpkin picking season starts late September and runs every day throughout October. They strongly advise pre-booking your visit, which can be done via the website. Tickets at £2.95 per person for adults and children; infants under 18 months go free. Benty Farm Tearooms, Wirral A small farmstead on Thurstaston Common, surrounded by the gently rolling landscape of the Wirral. Their PYO Pumpkins runs 11-26 October this year, with plenty of photo opportunities and the annual children’s Halloween trail. Tickets at £2 for adults and children, under twos go free. Entry fee does not include a pumpkin. North East Cannon Hall Farm, South Yorkshire A family-run farm and award-winning visitor attraction in Barnsley. Their Pumpkin Picking festival runs from 4-31 October. As well as pumpkin picking and decorating activities, you can visit farm animals including goat kids and alpacas as well as reptiles. There is also a programme of farm talks and races, plus tickets include access to a soft play centre. Tickets at £16.95 per person (children's tickets include a pumpkin), via the website. Under twos go free. The latest arrival is 2.30pm each day. Stockeld Park, North Yorkshire A Grade-I listed country house and estate situated between the towns of Wetherby and Harrogate, offering a range of seasonal family events. The Halloween Adventure is open every October weekend, and daily from 25 October-2 November. Take a tractor ride to pick your pumpkins at Stockeld Park Pumpkin Meadow, plus access to an enchanted forest, magical maze, Spider's Lair playground and skeleton trail. Tickets from £17 for adults and children, under twos go free. West Midlands National Forest Adventure Farm, Staffordshire A large adventure play park in Tatenhill with sports areas, go-karts and the UK's first escape maze. Their Pumpkin Village runs from 4-31 October, featuring pumpkin picking, live music, food and drink outlets and charming stalls. Tickets from £2.50 per person, under twos go free. Canalside Farm, Staffordshire A family-run pick-your-own fruit and pumpkin farm, shop and café located in a scenic conservation area just a few miles outside the county town of Stafford. They serve homegrown produce and an extensive range of high-quality food and drink from award-winning local suppliers. The Pick Your Own Pumpkin experience runs between 3-28 October. A range of pumpkins in various colours will be available, in addition to family games, a UV maze, marshmallow toasting and a silent disco. Pre-booked tickets via the website are essential. Tickets are £5 for adults and children, under twos go free. East Midlands Bell's Pumpkin Patch, Lincolnshire One of the UK's biggest pumpkin patches with more than one million pumpkins harvested each year, as well as being home to Britain's biggest pumpkin cannon! Their Pumpkin Patch is open between 11-31 October and additional family entertainment and photo opportunities are on offer. Tickets start at £6.98 via the website. Under twos go free. Additional charges for the pumpkin cannon, carving, tractor rides, funfair tokens, and food and drink. Doddington Hall, Lincolnshire Family-owned and run Elizabethan hall with gorgeous walled gardens, award-winning farm shop, café and restaurant. Seasonal events include pumpkin picking and Christmas tree decorating. Pick Your Own Pumpkins is open 1-31 October daily from 10am until 4pm. Free entry, pay for what you pick (cash only). Prices start at £4 per pumpkin, dependent on size. Maxeys Farm Shop, Nottinghamshire P..P..Pick Up a Pumpkin event running 5-31 October, including pumpkin picking, spooky activities, gifts and food. Tickets are £2 per person, under 16s go free. There's no need to pre-book. Mini squashes start from 50p, pumpkins start from £2. Mr Pumpkin, Derbyshire A fourth-generation arable farm, located in Morley, with more than 90,000 pumpkins in 40 different varieties to choose from. Pumpkin picking is open from 4-31 October. Opening times vary, check the website for details. Tickets are £2.50 for adults, under-16s go free off-peak or £1 at peak times. South East Tulleys Farm, West Sussex A farm orientated towards seasonal family experiences. They host Shocktober Fest with street food, live music, DJs and live shows. PYO Pumpkins is open late September until the end of October. Ticket prices vary from £8-£10 for adults and children depending on the date, under twos go free. Hatter's Farm, Essex Family-friendly farm specialising in selling top-quality pumpkins right from the field. The Pick Your Own Pumpkin event is available on various dates between 4-31 October, see website for details. This year, the farm will also be opening up for spooky nighttime pumpkin picking. Other fun family activities include the pumpkin cannon and maize maze. Tickets range from £4-9 per visitor this year, arriving in 15 minute slots and staying up to two hours, under twos go free. Bocketts Farm, Surrey Family farm park set in the Surrey countryside on the slopes of the North Downs, with animals, play areas and other activities. Their Witches and Wizards Week is open 25 October-2 November. This includes access to the pumpkin village as well as science and animal shows, a spooky trail, tractor rides and more. Tickets at £21 for adults, £23 for children aged three-17, £20.50 for children aged two, under twos go free. Crockford Bridge Farm, Surrey Family-owned farm near Weybridge. One of Surrey's largest growers of pumpkins, they also also grow many other crops for visitors to pick year-round in their fields. In addition, they have a tea shack and ice creams for sale on site. The Pumpkin Festival is running from the 25-31 October with picking available to book on weekends only. Pre-harvested pumpkins are also available for sale from their pumpkin market. General pumpkin picking is also available from 4-19 October. Pumpkin picking tickets are £6pp plus booking fee. Festival tickets are £14 for ages 1+ (plus booking fee) for a pumpkin-picking weekend. Willows Activity Farm, Hertfordshire Family attraction in St Albans with acres of land, farmyard animals, adventure play, funfair rides, tractor rides and indoor softplay. The Pumpkin Festival runs 11-12, 18-19 and 24-31 October, with pumpkin picking plus a full programme of family events including Peter Rabbit's Adventure Playground, Mr Todd’s Lair, The Big Dig sand & water play, Squirrel Nutkin’s Treehouse and more. There’s also a pumpkin hunt with a prize badge for all those taking part. Tickets from £19.95 (plus 75p booking fee), under twos go free to access the site, or £2.95 if picking a pumpkin. Cammas Hall Fruit Farm, Hertfordshire A family-owned and run business in beautiful countryside on the Hertfordshire/Essex border, with a wide selection of pick-your-own fruit and vegetables, tea barn, farm shop, maize maze, nature trail and children’s play area. Pumpkin patch experience is open from 4-31 October, including access to their pumpkin patch with a choice of more than 40 varieties of pumpkin and squash, plus fun activities, discounted entry to the maize maze, photo opportunities and a Wicked Walkway. Pumpkin Patch Night picking sessions are also available. Tickets from £6.95 for adults and children, under twos go free. Millets Farm Centre, Oxfordshire One of Oxfordshire's biggest visitor attraction centres for food, shopping and entertainment. The Halloween Spook-tacular Farm includes pumpkin picking, a circus, disco and plenty more. PYO Pumpkins are open on weekends from 27 September and then daily in October half term (24-31 October). Tickets from £1.50, under-twos go free. Rectory Farm, Oxfordshire 45 acres of farmland with seasonal fruit, vegetable and flower picking events, plus a farm shop selling homegrown produce and a café serving seasonal lunches, drinks and snacks. Rectory Farm's specialities are asparagus (April-June) and strawberries (May-October). The Pumpkin Patch will be open 4-31 October offering several pumpkin varieties and ornamental gourds. There will also be entertaining farm characters, tractor and trailer rides, straw bale maze and photo opportunities which are included in the admission price. Tickets are £8.50 per person, under-twos go free. South West Trevaskis Farm, Cornwall Set amidst 28 acres of beautiful countryside, Trevaskis Farm offers a range of pick-your-own fruit and vegetables alongside an award-winning butchery, artisan market and restaurant. Pick Your Own Pumpkins is open throughout October. Booking is not required. Pumpkins range from £1.95 to £3.50 based on the size. Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol A family-orientated park with indoor and outdoor play areas, animal-handling activities and more than 90 acres to explore, plus seasonal events throughout the year The Pumpkin Patch is open 27 September-31 October during the day. The experience includes extra entertainment in the form of theatrical performers, fire shows, an apple slingshot and apple canons. The FEAR Scream Park opens on 10 October. Tickets at £7.99 for adults and children, under-twos go free. Isle of Wight Tapnell Farm Park, Yarmouth A former dairy farm, Tapnell Farm Park is now an all-weather amusement park with a petting zoo, go-kart rides, sledge slides and play areas as well as farm accommodation, restaurant and seasonal events. The Pumpkin Pick’n’Mix runs from 18-31 October, as well as autumn crafts and the chance to meet farmyard animals. The BOO-MANIA family Halloween monster ball takes place on the 28 and 30 October. Scotland Arnprior Farm, Stirling, Loch Lomond, The Trossachs & The Forth Valley Established in 2015, Arnprior Farm is a pumpkin patch and destination glamping site, with swimming and lambing experiences also open. Pick Your Own Pumpkin is running on the six-acre patch with 15,000 pumpkins to choose from. Tickets are £14.90 per car and can be used to go towards the price of pumpkins picked onsite, according to the size of pumpkin. Craigies Farm Shop, Edinburgh and The Lothians Established in 1988, Craigies is one of the UK's leading farm shop destinations and also offers an extensive pick-your-own and Little Farmers, an adventure farm park for children and families. Pumpkin picking is available 1-10 October, Craigies Pumpkin Festival is on 11-31 October Ticket includes entry to Craigies pumpkin patch, access to the monster bale trail and Halloween-themed photo opportunities. Paintball target shooting and a barrel ghost train are available throughout the day for an additional cost. Tickets from £7.50 for adults and children, under ones go free. Charleton Fruit Farm, Dumfries and Galloway A family-run business since 1946, Charleton Fruit Farm in Montrose offers a range of vegetable and fruit picking events throughout the year, alongside a farm shop and cafe. Pumpkin picking starts 28 September, there will be photo opportunities and the return of the haybale fort. No booking necessary, free entry. Pay for pumpkins onsite. Westerton Farmers, Aberdeen City and Shire A family business centred around sustainable farming, bringing delicious, seasonal food to customers via their Spud Hut, farm events, wholesale supply and online shop. The PYO Pumpkins event is running 10-31 October. There is also a bale maze, bale mountain and inflatables and activities indoors in the barn. Tickets are £5.24 per car. Loch Ness Pumpkins, Highlands Corrimony Farm and their sister site, Buntait Farm, in the heart of Glenurquhart, are home to the Highland Pumpkin Picking Patch. Pumpkin Picking is available on 17-19, and 25-26 October. Tickets are £7.34, under-threes go free. Broadslap Fruit Farm, Perthshire, Tayside A family-run fruit farm located eight miles from Perth, Broadslap offers a range of high-quality produce in its shop as well as a restaurant and seasonal events. The Broadslap PumpkinFest runs 8-31 October. Free entry. Booking slots are available via the online booking form. Wales Forage Farm, Cowbridge, South Glamorgan Artisan farm shop showcasing the best of fresh, seasonal Welsh produce as well as a range of carefully selected, dry goods and drinks from our local suppliers. PYO Pumpkins is running from 4-31 October. Other activities include a maze of maize, face painting, tractor rides and hot food onsite. Tickets are £10 per car (plus 84p booking fee). Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, West Glamorgan Known for its fresh-cut, real Christmas trees and sizeable reindeer herd, this fifth-generation family business also offers other seasonal picking events including sunflowers and pumpkins. The Halloween on Gower event runs throughout late October. Entry for pumpkin picking is free, no booking required. Clearwell Farm, Gwent More than 110 years old, Clearwell Farm is home to an extensive cereal crop, cider orchards and sheep flock. It offers seasonal activities including pumpkin and Christmas tree picking plus entry to a maize maze. Some of the traditional barns and cowsheds have also been converted into short-term rental cottages. Pumpkin picking runs from 11 October-2 November offering more than 20 varieties, from tiny multicoloured gourds to the massive Atlantic Giant. Tickets are £10.48 per car (max five people). Bellis Brothers, Wrexham An independently run family business on the outskirts of Holt in the Dee Valley. Established in 1860 as a fruit and veg patch, Bellis has expanded to include an extensive farm shop, garden centre, gift department, large restaurant and seasonal pick your own. PYO Pumpkins and the Spooky Maize Maze are open every weekend from 4 October, as well as the 27-31 October. General admission tickets are free, but advanced booking is essential. Pumpkin prices vary and entry to the maze is £2.50 per person, under-threes go free. Pembrokeshire Pumpkins, Pembrokeshire An extensive pumpkin farm home to a wide selection of squashes – orange, white polar bears, stripy, munchkins and more. Pumpkin picking is running on weekends from 11 October and 25-30 October. Other events include a woodland play area, bale trail and pumpkin barn. Tickets are £10.48 per car. Northern Ireland Streamvale Open Farm, Belfast, County Down Family-friendly farm offering opportunities to kids to interact with farm animals, holiday pods and a range of seasonal events. Halloween pumpkin patch is open 4-31 October with daily 3.5 hour sessions available to book. Other onsite activities include pumpkin carving, barrel and tractor rides, a Broomtastic disco and spooky trail. Evening floodlit sessions are also available this year. Tickets from £60 for a family of four and two pumpkins. Individually, tickets are £17.50 for an adult or £19.50 with pumpkin included), £16.50 for children over three and £6.50 for toddlers (1-2 years). Under-ones go free. Fultons Pumpkin Patch, County Tyrone Small dairy and sheep farm based between Donemana and Artigarvan, offering a wide range of pumpkins grown onsite plus a maize maze. Pumpkin patch and Spook trail is open 11-31 October, along with fun family events including rhymes, music, dancing, puppets, interactive stories and more. Tickets are £6.70 per person, under-ones go free. Pumpkins range from £3-8. Tips for picking your own pumpkins When are pumpkin patches open? Most PYO pumpkin sessions are open from 16-31 October, however some patches are open from the beginning of October, too. What else is there to do? Other family-friendly activities will often be available on the various farm sites such as visiting animals, play areas and Halloween-themed events. Why visit a pumpkin patch instead of the supermarket? While supermarket pumpkins tend to be relatively uniform, the beauty of buying one from a patch is that you get a much wider variety of shapes, sizes and colours to choose from. These could include white, green and orange pumpkins, small decorative gourds, warty and stripy varieties, culinary pumpkins and plenty more. Pumpkins aside, it's also a chance to enjoy a family activity outdoors and for kids to interact with the natural environment and help understand the provenance of their food. You'll also be supporting a local business and many pumpkin patches will also be selling additional homegrown produce and artisan products in farm shops nearby. What should I look for in a pumpkin? Here are some things to check when deciding on the best pumpkin to pick... Knock on the pumpkin to see if it makes a hollow sound – this means it is ripe. Make sure that the base of the pumpkin is not soft or mushy. Check that the stem is firm and brown in colour (a sign of ripeness) and never pick up a pumpkin from the stem or cut off the stem as this could speed up the decay process. Avoid bruised pumpkins with irregular, soft spots as these can indicate moisture. If you are looking for an easy pumpkin to carve, check for an even, smooth surface and flat base so that it remains sturdy. Looking for a pumpkin to bake with? In this case, it's better to choose a smaller pumpkin (weighing around four to six pounds) as these have a better taste and texture. What should I wear for pumpkin picking? Wrap up in warm clothing and bring waterproofs to prepare for all weathers. Most importantly, bring a good pair of wellies! Pumpkin patches can get pretty muddy. What else should I bring? A strong bag (such as a heavy-duty shopping bag) would be useful for carrying your pumpkin to the car. Some sites may offer wheelbarrows to cart your pickings. Do you get to pick the pumpkin directly off the plant? No, normally pumpkins will have been pre-harvested and cut off the vines in advance of visitors arriving at picking events. These will then be left to 'cure' (harden and turn orange) so that they are ready for you to choose. How should I prepare my pumpkin When you arrive home, ensure you wash and thoroughly dry the pumpkins. You can also wipe them down with a very weak cleaning solution to discourage rot. They will then be ready for storage. How to store a pumpkin Pumpkins should be stored in a dry, frost-free, well-ventilated shed or room at temperatures below 15°C (60°F) and no colder than 10°C (50°F). Put them on a thick layer of cardboard, newspaper, straw or on a wire rack to allow air to circulate. Alternatively, you could fashion a sling out of cloth or an old pair of tights to tie them up, as this allows good air circulation. Don’t store them near other fruits such as apples, which emit gas that can speed up ageing. Check your stored pumpkins regularly for signs of rot and remove any affected areas of flesh immediately. Most pumpkins will normally keep for 30-90 days, depending on the thickness of their skin. Find more perfect pumpkin ideas Top 20 pumpkin recipes Easy pumpkin carving ideas Top 10 ways to use up leftover pumpkin Pumpkin recipes for kids How to carve a pumpkin Pumpkin purée recipe ideas How to roast pumpkin seeds Our best ever pumpkin soup recipes How to cook with pumpkin Planning to pick your own pumpkins this year? Let us know if you have any other recommendations in the comments below...
Our 20 most indulgent Bonfire Night recipes
Celebrate this Bonfire Night with a feast of our most indulgent recipes, including melty s'mores, oozing cheese toasties, cocktails and more.
Planning a Bonfire Night party? We've got all the inspiration you need to make it truly explosive, from banging desserts and party snacks to comforting mains and warming drinks. Whether outside watching the fireworks or cosying up indoors, these tempting treats will surely make 5 November a night to remember. Whether you’re celebrating Bonfire Night with family or friends, you’ll need some recipes ready to feed a crowd. So why not check out our Bonfire Night dinner ideas and Bonfire Night food ideas for inspiration? Mains 1. Bangers & mash with onion gravy Make an elevated classic to serve for a Bonfire Night dinner – golden sausages, buttery onions and extra-fluffy, creamy mash combine in this hearty, warming meal that everyone will love. Or, try our sticky cider onion hot dogs for an equally crowd-pleasing supper. Find more sausage inspiration with our hot dog recipes, or take a bite out of our beef burger recipes. 2. Golden spinach, feta & pumpkin filo pie This golden spinach, feta & pumpkin filo pie is a great centrepiece for your Bonfire Night celebrations as it showcases delicious autumnal flavours. Tarts and pies are ideal for celebrating as they are easily transported and divided if you are considering bringing a picnic with you to watch a local fireworks show. Find more of our savoury tart recipes, filled with delicious seasonal produce. 3. Catherine wheel toad-in-the-hole with honey & mustard onions Perfect for a cold autumn evening, this combination of sausage and Yorkshire pudding in a pretty spiral design will surely be a family hit. It’s great for Bonfire Night – it only takes 20 minutes to prepare, so you won’t miss any festivities. For more bakes perfect for autumn and winter, check out our toad-in-the-hole recipes and winter traybake recipes. 4. Rarebit toasties with sticky yeast extract onions There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into a cheese toastie that oozes from every angle. These rarebit toasties with sticky yeast extract onions have that perfect melted texture. Top with a fried egg for extra protein and, if you’re feeling even more indulgent, then chuck in some bacon for a posh version of a bacon sarnie. Discover more of our comforting cheese toastie recipes. 5. Three-cheese meatball lasagne If you’re a fan of lasagne, you’ll love our next-level three-cheese meatball lasagne. Made by swapping the meat sauce for sausage meatballs, you’ll get a beautiful golden brown finish on them and the perfect juicy centre. Fennel seeds and chilli add another layer of flavour and a little spice, which complements the richness of the parmesan, cheddar and mozzarella topping. Check out more of our lasagne recipes. We have traditional mince, seafood and veggie versions. Snacks 6. Cheesy sausage rolls Bake these comforting bread rolls in a muffin tin – they're filled with cheddar, bangers, spring onions and garlic butter. They’re a great portable snack if you’re on the go visiting friends and family for firework festivities. Or, if you prefer, why not try our sausage roll-ups? Buttery, flaky pastry is filled with sausage and a sweet chutney. Check out more of our bread roll recipes for an easy baking project. 7. Smoked cheddar & chilli jam croquettes These smoked cheddar and chilli jam croquettes are the canapés you need to impress your party guests this Bonfire Night. Using only 10 ingredients, they’re much simpler than you would think, and they’re vegetarian, so most guests can enjoy them. If you want more canapé ideas suitable for all your guests' dietary needs, check out our vegan canapé recipes, vegetarian canapé recipes and canapé recipes. 8. Cheese stars Show off your cooking skills and get in the festive spirit with these fun-looking, easy cheesy treats – they make great party snacks for grazing guests and get kids involved in the kitchen, as you can put them in charge of the cookie-cutting process. Discover more recipes great for keeping children entertained with our kids’ cooking recipes and kids’ baking recipes. 9. Chocolate apples Our chocolate apples recipe is another traditional treat that’s great for making with kids. They will have loads of fun getting messy, dunking their apples into the melted chocolate and covering haphazardly in any sugary treat that will stick. Check out our homemade toffee apples for an even more traditional sweet treat. Treat yourself to more of our comforting apple desserts. 10. Banoffee s'mores If kids lose momentum before the firework fun has begun, one way to lift their spirits is with these American-style melty marshmallow s’mores. If they don't like bananas and caramel, we have many other flavours, like our pumpkin pie s’mores. Discover more American recipes and more indulgent s'mores combinations. Dessert 11. Parkin Parkin is a traditional ginger cake from Yorkshire, flavoured with syrupy molasses, oatmeal and warm spices. Originally, parkin was a celebratory cake eaten at winter festivals, so it’s the perfect treat to enjoy on Bonfire Night. Read more about the origins of parkin in our article, Parkin: a Bonfire Night tradition. 12. Toffee apple bread & butter pudding Bonfire Night treat meets classic comfort food in this doubly delicious dessert that your family won't be able to resist. Perfect enjoyed alone but eat straight from the oven topped with our ultimate vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. Check out more bread & butter pudding recipes, from classics to fun new twists. 13. Vegan ginger loaf cake Whether you're vegan or not, this iced and spiced ginger loaf cake is a brilliant bake to enjoy on a cold, wintry day. Have it with a cup of tea or bring along to your Bonfire Night festivities for a pick-me-up that everyone can enjoy. Don’t confine loaf cakes to afternoon teas. Check out more of our loaf cake recipes and try them for yourself. 14. Sticky chocolate pudding with marshmallows This gooey, self-saucing, sticky chocolate pudding with marshmallows is a divine dessert with fresh cream or ice cream. It’s great for enjoying at celebrations as it serves up to 10 people and can be made in three simple steps. Satisfy your sweet tooth with more of our showstopping chocolate pudding recipes. 15. Vegan sticky toffee pear pudding A lighter version of sticky toffee pudding, rich with dates and spices, and the juicy texture of poached pears, this vegan dessert is sure to please a crowd. Enjoy more of our vegan desserts. Drinks 16. Hot buttered rum Try rounding off dinner with some hot buttered rum. Sweet and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it's a warming treat for cold evenings. Warm up on chilly nights with more of our winter drink recipes. 17. Whisky mac Warm up with our classic whisky mac recipe – the perfect way to chase away the chills. Spicy ginger wine blends beautifully with scotch for a cosy, comforting sip. While we recommend a blended malt, why not treat yourself and your guests to a special occasion single malt for an extra indulgent twist? Try more of our whisky cocktail recipes. 18. Hazelnut cream hot chocolate A dollop of chocolate hazelnut spread here, a splash of nut liqueur there – this boozy hot chocolate with whipped cream is a glass of pure indulgence. For more boozy hot chocolate recipes with a twist, check out our midnight mint hot chocolate and choc orange hot chocolate. For a child-friendly hot chocolate, why not try our silky slow cooker hot chocolate made from dark and milk chocolate? 19. Rum old-fashioned Try using rum in place of whisky in an old-fashioned for a twist on the traditional cocktail that’s perfect for warming you on cold winter evenings. Finish with ice and a strip of orange peel. If you prefer to keep things traditional, why not try our classic old-fashioned recipe? 20. Slow-cooked mulled cider Make a hands-off, warming mulled cider for 10 guests using your slow cooker. Simply pop all the ingredients into the cooker and let it do all the hard work. Get inspired with more mulled drinks recipes. Get more Bonfire Night recipe inspiration: Bonfire Night recipes Bonfire Night snack recipes Bonfire Night drink recipes Bonfire Night dessert recipes Bonfire Night cake recipes Toffee apple recipes S'mores recipes Comfort food recipes Find more ideas at our Bonfire Night hub.
Looking for ideas to use up pumpkin? Discover our all-time favourite recipes for seasonal squash, from pumpkin pies and cakes to warming soups and curries
Pumpkins are much more than just jack-o'-lanterns. This vibrant autumnal veg can be eaten in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes, adding colour and texture to meals for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Bonfire Night. Once you've learned how to carve a pumpkin and tried out one of our pumpkin carving templates and tips from our easy pumpkin carving ideas, why not put the leftovers to good use in comforting dinners, easy bakes, classic desserts and drinks? For more inspiration on how to use up leftover pumpkin, read our helpful guide. Check out our best-ever pumpkin ideas below, then get more inspiration from our collection of pumpkin recipes. Why not make a fun family outing to pick your pumpkin? Check out our article on the best pumpkin patches in the UK to find the right pumpkin for you. 1. Pumpkin pie This classic Thanksgiving dessert is well-deserving of a place in our top 20. With a sweet pastry and warming spiced filling, this simple recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Alternatively, try our vegan pumpkin pie for a luxurious dairy-free treat. Try more of our pumpkin pie recipes. 2. Pumpkin curry with chickpeas Warm up on autumn nights with a fragrant pumpkin and chickpea curry. This vegan dish is low in calories but super-satisfying, with flavours of Thai yellow curry paste, lemongrass and creamy coconut milk. Serve it as a main or flavourful side. We've got plenty more vegan pumpkin recipes. 3. Halloween pumpkin cake Put pumpkin leftovers to great use in a moist and moreish Halloween traybake. Like carrot cake, it combines grated squash with subtle spices and citrus, topped with a fluffy soft cheese frosting. It's sure to become a family favourite. Check out our impressive pumpkin and caramel layer cake. 4. Pumpkin soup One of our most popular pumpkin recipes, this silky soup makes a sensational starter or comforting dinner. Serve with a scattering of crunchy croutons and pumpkin seeds. Looking for a touch of heat? Try our spicy pumpkin soup instead, flavoured with warming garam masala, cumin and a touch of chilli. Or, try our healthy vegan pumpkin soup for a lighter, dairy-free alternative. Discover more of the best-ever pumpkin soup recipes. 5. Stuffed pumpkin Need a vegan centrepiece to impress? Bake a pumpkin with a gorgeous stuffing of rice, fennel, apple, pomegranate seeds and pecans. Finish with a zingy tahini dressing for the perfect plant-based dinner party dish. Make the most of your leftover pumpkin seeds by roasting them in tamari, maple syrup and chilli flakes for a savoury snack. Or, check out more ideas for how to roast pumpkin seeds. 6. Pumpkin pie s'mores We've combined two classic American sweets to bring you the ultimate Bonfire Night snack. Sandwich a melty marshmallow and pumpkin purée filling between ginger biscuits to create an oozing stack of s’mores. Use our recipe for homemade pumpkin purée, or if you’re short of time, try shop-bought canned purée. We've got lots more sweet and savoury s'mores recipes to try. 7. Pumpkin & pecan cheesecake pie Indulge in our cheesecake pie with homemade pastry, a pumpkin filling and pecan topping. It’s a brilliant finish to a decadent Autumn meal, and while it is more effort, it is worth it. 8. Roast pumpkin & spinach lasagne Bake a comforting veggie lasagne and freeze portions for busy nights. It features alternating layers of roasted pumpkin with cherry tomato sauce, nutmeg-spiced spinach and creamy béchamel. It's well worth the effort for the irresistible combination of sweet, earthy flavours and crisp parmesan topping. 9. Smoky pumpkin chilli This smoky pumpkin chilli is a nutritious vegetarian dish with layers of rich flavour, as the pumpkin soaks up the sweetness of garlic, warming spices and dark chocolate. It's easy to prepare, freezable and makes a comforting meal for any occasion. You can even customise toppings and sides to suit your taste. 10. One-pan pumpkin, sage & meatball pasta This one-pan pasta recipe delivers a rich, caramelised flavour from roasting the sauce ingredients together in a tin. It's easy to prepare, requires minimal washing-up, and combines creamy mascarpone with savoury sausage meatballs for a comforting meal. The addition of sage and chilli flakes adds a fragrant, warming touch that makes it perfect for autumn or winter dining. 11. Pumpkin spice latte The pumpkin spice latte has become an autumnal café favourite, but it's not hard to recreate at home. Just combine smooth pumpkin purée, espresso coffee, fragrant spices and frothy steamed milk. Warm up with more of our autumn drinks recipes. 12. Prawn, pumpkin & coconut stew It doesn't get more comforting than this aromatic one-pot. The prawns balance well with a creamy coconut sauce and the mild-flavoured pumpkin. Add a touch of heat with red chillies and serve with rice for a simple, impressive dinner. 13. Pumpkin cupcakes These pretty cinnamon-spiced cupcakes are not to be ignored. Similar to carrot cake, you grate the pumpkin to make a moist sponge, dotted with juicy sultanas. If the grated pumpkin flesh is quite wet, give it a good squeeze before using. Finish with a simple soft cheese frosting and chopped pecans. 14. Baked pumpkin fondue Calling all cheese lovers! This gorgeously gooey showstopper is perfect for Bonfire Night or Halloween celebrations. Fill a whole roast pumpkin with a creamy three-cheese fondue, then serve with crusty bread and potatoes for everyone to dunk in. 15. Pumpkin cheesecake Looking for a dessert that will wow guests? This stunning pumpkin cheesecake pulls out all the stops, and is well worth the effort. The luxuriously creamy, spiced filling is on a crunchy ginger biscuit base, and is topped with fluffy whipped cream and caramel sauce. If you're short on time, try our frozen pumpkin cheesecake instead. The filling and base can be made ahead of time using just five ingredients, then frozen – just add maple cream and ginger biscuits before serving. 16. Creamy pumpkin pasta Transform your pumpkin leftovers into a silky smooth pasta sauce, along with mascarpone, tomato purée and parmesan. Chunky, short pasta such as rigatoni or penne work especially well with this thick sauce as they are easily coated. 17. Pumpkin pancakes with salted pecan butterscotch Get your weekend off to a sweet start with this indulgent brunch. We've taken pancakes to the next level by adding pumpkin purée and cinnamon to the batter. The fluffy, American-style stack is then drizzled with a rich salted pecan butterscotch sauce. Add a dollop of ice cream if that still isn't sweet enough. 18. Pumpkin, fennel & taleggio galette This stunning tart makes a wonderful lunch or dinner with buttery, flaky pastry, creamy Italian cheese, and autumnal vegetables. Leftovers taste great the next day, too. 19. Mini pumpkin & feta pies Throw a Halloween party and serve these fearsome pumpkin & feta pies. Perfect for little hands, kids will enjoy helping make them, too. 20. Pumpkin cornbread with whipped jalapeño butter This moist cornbread combines mild pumpkin with punchy chillies, as well as a fiery whipped jalapeño butter. The perfect accompaniment to soups, chillis and roasts. Got more leftover squash on your hands? Use it to make our punchy pumpkin pickle – it's equally delicious served dolloped on this cornbread. Discover more of our perfect pumpkin ideas... Top 10 ways to use up leftover pumpkin Pumpkin recipes for kids Top 20 best pumpkin recipe How to carve a pumpkin Pumpkin purée recipe ideas How to roast pumpkin seeds Our best ever pumpkin soup recipes How to cook with pumpkin
Put your storecupboard contents to good use with these summery recipes, combining staples such as canned tomatoes and chickpeas with fresh ingredients.
Take the stress out of summer cooking with fuss-free seasonal meal ideas using storecupboard ingredients. If you don't have a lot of fresh ingredients to hand, it's still possible to enjoy a light lunch or dinner with the help of frozen and canned foods. From bean salads and fish stew to pizza and paella, these summer storecupboard recipes are budget-friendly and full of flavour. Need some more meal inspiration? Check out our healthy storecupboard recipes and healthy storecupboard salads, or enjoy something sweet with our storecupboard baking recipes. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. 3 Budget ramen ideas View Green Video on the source website 1. Summer fish stew Frozen fish is an affordable ingredient to add to your summer repetoire. White fish such as cod or pollock freeze well and can be added straight to a healthy stew without defrosting first. Cans of chopped tomatoes and butter beans add flavour and texture, plus you can use up stale bread to make golden croutons. 2. Feta, olive & preserved lemon grain salad Take some shortcuts with a ready-made dressing, a pouch of microwaveable grains and a pot of sundried tomatoes, olives and feta. Just add some fresh rocket for a fuss-free, flavourful salad ready in under 10 minutes. Try more delicious storecupboard salads, including this hearty halloumi salad with lemony lentils, chickpeas & beets 3. Mozzarella & pesto chickpeas on toast In need of a speedy lunch? Try our summer storecupboard spin on beans on toast. Simply throw together a can of chickpeas, pesto, sundried tomatoes and mozzarella for a tasty veggie toast topping. Find more easy storecupboard lunch recipes 4. Spaghetti with smoked anchovies, chilli breadcrumbs & fried egg Tinned smoked anchovies are a storecupboard hero, and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Add them to this simple and speedy spaghetti with breadcrumbs in a garlicky chilli sauce. Top with a fried egg for a stress-free midweek meal full of interesting textures. Find more anchovy recipes. 5. Cajun grilled chicken with lime black-eyed bean salad & guacamole This punchy salsa features canned black-eyed beans, sweetcorn and semi-dried tomatoes, lifted by a squeeze of lime juice. It’s the perfect accompaniment for smoky spiced chicken fillets – a seriously satisfying low-carb dinner. 6. Tuna, olive & rocket pizzas Keep the family happy with these simple seafood pizzas. Using a ready-made pizza base mix saves on time, whilst storecupboard basics such as tomato purée, cans of tuna and olives make a quick topping. Get creative and let everyone customise their pizzas with whatever ingredients you have to hand. 7. Lentil & tomato salad Lentils are another storecupboard favourite, and form a substantial base for summer salads. As well as providing a source of iron, this complex carb is great for balancing energy levels. Make our flavoursome and filling vegan salad using a pack of dried puy or green lentils with cherry tomatoes, spinach leaves, chutney, spices and onions – the perfect barbecue side. Get more vegan storecupboard recipes 8. Charred broccoli, lemon & walnut pasta Put a packet of dried penne or fusilli to good use in this satisfying summer pasta dish. It's packed with flavour from charred broccoli, lemon, parmesan and fried garlic, with walnuts for texture. Ready in just 20 minutes, it makes a speedy and nutritious midweek supper. You could use frozen broccoli if you don't have fresh to hand. Discover more storecupboard pasta ideas 9. Easy paella Transport yourself to sunny shores with a sizzling pan of paella. Our easy version of this classic Spanish dish makes use of basic ingredients such as chopped tomatoes and frozen seafood, but you can also add extras such as peas and chorizo if you wish. 10. Air fryer falafel Use your air fryer to rustle up some homemade falafel using storecupboard heroes: chickpeas. Enjoy with your favourite accompaniments – tabbouleh, hummus, tahini sauce and salad work well to make a healthy and budget-friendly lunch option. Get more storecupboard inspiration... Top 10 storecupboard recipes Budget meals for large families Our best recipes for leftovers 5 storecupboared superfoods A guide to cheap and healthy cooking All our storecupboard recipes Storecupboard one-pot recipes Top 10 healthy storecupboard recipes What are your favourite storecupboard ingredients? Leave a comment below...