Cook your easiest dinner

Consider yourself a reluctant hostess? Our easy menu, full of clever cheats and shortcuts, is here to help you through!

Smoked Salmon Pâté

A little stirring is all that’s required. Empty 125g smoked salmon

pâté into a bowl and mix in 50g smoked salmon trimmings and 50g cooked,

peeled small prawns. Season with black pepper (add lemon juice to sharpen, if you like). Spread mixture on to about 18 shop-bought mini

oatcakes or crispbreads, or serve them alongside the pâté. Makes 18 canapés.

GET AHEAD Make pâté up to 5hrs ahead. Cover and chill. If you like, assemble up to 30 mins ahead, then chill.

Sticky Pigs in Blankets

Jazz up this favourite with marmalade or apricot jam. Preheat oven to 200°C/ 180°C fan/gas mark 6. Put 18 bacon-wrapped

cocktail sausages (you can buy these pre-wrapped) on a baking tray. Cook in oven for 25-30 mins, until golden and cooked through. Carefully stir in 1tbsp marmalade, shaking pan to coat sausages. Tip into a serving dish and serve with cocktail sticks. Makes 18 canapés.

Stilton and Grape Bites

Only two ingredients! Spear 12 red or green grapes on to 12 cocktail sticks. Cut 75g Stilton into 12 chunks, then push on to the sticks and serve. Makes 12 canapés. PER CANAPÉ kcals 27; protein 2g; fat 2g; sat fat 1g; carbs 0.3g; sugars 0.3g; trace fibre

GET AHEAD Make up to 5hrs ahead. Place on a serving platter, cover and chill.