Choosing dishes that can be prepared on the hob and in the oven is also beneficial. Puff pastry pies can be ready in less than half an hour, provided you prepare the filling in advance.

This recipe turns the fruit tart on its head with stunning results. You can flavour the syrup with whatever spices you like. For the rough puff pastry, measure the flour into a bowl and grate the ...

or extra fresh fruit like finely chopped apple or orange. Mince pies, once baked, will keep for a few days in an air-tight tin but the bottoms may become soggy. You can make the pastry ahead and ...