Tiny treats tried and tested, by Rose Prince

this is the first time in many years when there is a chance to take Christmas off and relax, so instead of sweating over the stove, consider a ready-feast. the supermarkets have a selection of imaginative, super-festive ready-made dishes serving two to four . . .

Seafood starters

M&s shellfish Puffs, £20 (serves four)

Served in a real scallop shell, you could almost pass off these elegant little shellfish pies a s home- made. Underneath buttery pastry, you will find responsibly farmed king prawns and scallops. The sauce is t hermidor- style: cream, brandy, white wine and a scattering of parmesan. Scrumptious. 4/5

Asda Extra special smoked salmon and trout terrines, £3.25 (serves two)

AS po T-on starter made of cream cheese, sour cream, smoked rainbow trout and lemon juice, with pieces of smoked salmon. The mousse is tangy and smoky, but not overly strong. Serve with a baby leaf salad and rye toast. 3/5

Delicious mains

Aldi Luxury Easy Carve stuffed Duck, £14.99 (three to four servings)

The legs are left on, but the rest of this duck is boned and stuffed with pork, f l avoured with clementine — with a sweetish glaze to add later. This l ooked stunning and was a breeze to carve. There’s a lot of stuffing, but overall it’s a treat, perfect for a smaller party. 3/5

Waitrose Number 1 British Partridges with Pear and Chestnut, £16 (serves two)

A PERFECT, extravagant feast for two. The breast bones have been removed, the legs left on, while inside there’ s a rich, punchy stuffing. This is made with pork, pear, chestnuts and bacon, and has a pear and thyme glaze — altogether a big little christmas hit. 5/5

M&s Plant Kitchen Vegan Festive Wreath, £10 (serves four)

THIS stunning ‘ring loaf ’ is full of great flavours — chopped roasted chestnuts, mushrooms and pumpkin seeds with grains plus plenty of seasoning and herbs. it comes with a fruity sauce and will go beautifully with potatoes, parsnips and buttery sprouts. 4/5

Decadent puddings

Asda Extra special 9 Months Matured Christmas Puddings, £1.50 each (100g, one serving)

A PUDDING with a l ovely dark and soft texture, a tickle of cognac and spice in the flavour. however, the puddings begged for a little more fruit to equal the juiciness of granny’s home-made. good, but could be better. 2/5

Co-Op irresistible Festive Fruit Crumble, £4 (500g, serves two to three) FRUIT crumble brings the christmas meal to a close in a lighter way, leaving plenty of space for chocolate and cheese. There’s a good amount of fruit filling, agreeably spiced, under the crisp crumble. Serve with brandy cream. 3.5/5