Christmas Crostini are light and bright canapes, perhap welcome at any festive time with the abundance of food offered. Try a variety of bases such as cucumber, baked or toasted wrap or rice crackers

Mushroom Soup: Selecting a variety of mushrooms, fresh and or dry, creates a depth of flavour for this simple mushroom soup.

Roast Quince, rich and sweet, can accompany any grill, roast, curry or salad selection.

Quince is frequently used in a sweet savoury combo as paste served with cheese. Here, the quince is roasted with herbs and apple. Adding contrasting textures and flavours such as blue cheese or dukkah provide interest to this simple dish.

A variation is to roast the quince with apple and red onion when it can be served in the style of salsa with a curry or as a salad accompaniment for soya marinated tofu, or a spicy meat or nut dish.

Tomato and Basil Risotto is a versatile dish, particularly useful when tomatoes are in abundant supply. It makes an accompaniment to a meal or can be a complete meal when you add some protein: legumes e.g. cooked cannelloni beans or tofu; extra cheese and nuts and finally a green salad. For a vegan dish use vegan cheese.