Last-minute Christmas recipes

A simple, quick and indulgent dessert you can rustle up in 10 minutes. If you want to make a non-alcoholic version, use a can of cherries in syrup instead

This quick microwave Christmas pud, which uses shop-bought mincemeat, takes just 35 mins - simply combine the ingredients and cook on the day for a last-minute dessert

The easy roast turkey is cooked high and fast like a chicken, giving it extra crispy skin. It needs longer to rest so the meat can relax and stay succulent

Get kids in the kitchen to make this simple circular puffed rice cake, cut into wedges and decorated to look like reindeer. It's a great festive family bake

Treat the family to a croissant sandwich for brunch, with mascarpone and mincemeat filling. They're a decadent sweet treat for Christmas morning

We all know a few die hard chocolate fans - make them one of these hot choc stirrers as a gift and they'll never want to use powdered cocoa again

Pair chocolate and zesty marmalade with panettone or challah for an indulgent Boxing Day brunch, or an easy dessert. Top with yogurt, orange slices and syrup to serve

Combine salty popcorn, pretzels, sweet marshmallows, chocolate and tangy dried cranberries to make the perfect Christmas movie snack

Make a cosy night in even more indulgent with this meltingly good quince paste, spicy sausage and cheese toasted sandwich - the perfect winter pick-me-up

Make a Christmas pud in half the usual time by using a pressure cooker. You'll save both energy and effort, and be rewarded with a deliciously moist dessert

There's nothing better than soft, buttery carrots to go along with your favourite roast. You can keep this side simple or tweak it with our delicious twists

This simple syrup makes a lovely homemade gift and adds a festive flavour to drinks and desserts - stir into hot chocolate, warm apple juice or Prosecco, or drizzle over ice cream

These low-fat, gluten-free canapés can be put together in just 10 minutes - perfect as a last-minute party nibble

This simple gravy compliments delicately flavoured turkey meat and is quick enough to make at the last minute

Treat your guests to a Christmas punch. It's a blend of prosecco, gin liqueur and apple juice, together with festive clementine and ginger

James Martin's stunning seafood starter is guaranteed to impress at any dinner party - layer with beetroot, orange and tangy horseradish cream

These colourful, spiced sweet and sour pickled onions add piquancy to a ploughman’s, or a sharp finish to Mexican food - an ideal edible gift to make ahead and pop in a homemade hamper

The classic combination of apples and cheese is given a lift with thin slices of sweet fruitcake - a great festive party canapé or buffet treat

Warm up on colder evenings with this vibrant soup, spiked with fiery chilli powder and harissa. The crispy croutons are optional but add a satisfying crunch

Also known as miracle fudge, this indulgent sweet treat is made in minutes in the microwave, and makes for an ideal last-minute edible gift – no sugar thermometer required

Make a large cake using a 600ml mug or halve the mixture to make one small cake instead of two. Enjoy with brandy butter or custard