Last-minute Christmas recipes

Unexpected guests and no Christmas cake to serve? This last-minute loaf tastes as if it had been made in November. Decorate with a snow shower of icing sugar

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

The 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

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

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

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

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 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

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

This simple canapé is easy to assemble and has only three ingredients, yet looks great as part of a party platter or buffet

This super simple, yet delicious, side dish has just three ingredients - perfect for no-fuss entertaining or with a laid-back Sunday roast

This is a really tasty and easy roast recipe that won't let you down on the big day

Beautifully bite-sized canapés to hand round at your next party - just five ingredients and ready in 15 minutes

For a simple, smart starter, just mix mayo with garlic, herbs and a squeeze of lime and serve with seafood and brown bread

This fresh idea for your Christmas sprouts is a good source of both vitamin C and folic acid

Give your roasties a little style and originality with rosemary, garlic and chipolatas

This storecupboard relish has all the flavours of a classic cooked chutney but with more bite. It makes a great last minute accompaniment to a cheese board or ham

An easy yet stunning decorative idea which will put those surplus Christmas chocolates to good use

This fudgy, fruity alternative to a classic Christmas pudding can be prepared on Christmas Eve to save time on the big day

A contemporary alternative to the traditional cheeseboard, the hardest part will be selecting your favourite cheeses