Canapés & cocktails

Method

• step 1

  Spicy prawn skewers Marinate 150g cooked prawns in zest and juice 1 lime, 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ finely chopped chilli, 2 tsp grated fresh root ginger and 1 tsp clear honey for 20 mins-1 hr. To serve, lay each prawn on a baby spinach leaf and thread a cocktail stick through (makes 28).

• step 2

  Stuffed prosciutto balls Mash 100g feta with ½ finely chopped chilli, 2 tsp chopped mint and zest and juice ¼ lemon. Roll into 24 small balls. Quarter 6 prosciutto slices lengthways, then wrap each prosciutto strip around a feta ball (makes 24).

• step 3

  Cucumber salmon Cut 1 large cucumber into 20 thick slices and scoop out some of the seedy middle, leaving a dip. Mix 200ml crème fraîche with zest 1 lemon and freshly ground black pepper, then spoon 1 tsp into each dip. Top with a piece smoked salmon, lemon zest and some black pepper (makes 20).

• step 4

  Festive crackers Take 20 small crackers (we used Morrisons Gouda cheese & mixed seeds cracker bites) or 20 homemade crostini. Spread 1 tsp red pesto onto each cracker, top each with a piece of mozzarella from a 125g ball and garnish with basil leaves (makes 20).

• step 5

  Curried chicken poppadums Arrange a 75g tub mini poppadums on a plate and slice 85g cooked chicken so there’s 1 piece per poppadum. Mix together ½ tsp curry powder, 100ml crème fraîche and zest ½ lemon, put 1 tsp in each poppadum with ½ tsp mango chutney, then finish with a slice of chicken and some chopped coriander. Best assembled just before serving so the poppadums stay crisp (makes 20).

• step 6

  Christmas mojitos Put 140g fresh or frozen cranberries, a handful mint and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a bowl. Crush with the end of a rolling pin, then add a couple of handfuls of crushed ice and stir to mix. Add a shot of vodka to 6-8 tall glasses, divide the cranberry crush between them, then top up with cranberry juice and sparkling water (serves 6-8).