The start of a meal is a taster of what is to come so should set the bar high. From simple and delicious starter recipes like soups and salads to more elaborate tarts and terrines, be inspired to start your meal with a something special.
Pistachios are the star of this homemade pesto, which provides a vibrant topping to sweet vine tomatoes. A simple yet stunning summer salad.
A filling, hearty meal on a budget. Chunky kidney and butterbeans add texture, with the chilli powder adding some spice (experiment with the amount if you prefer a little more heat) and the cheesy garlic baguette is perfect for dunking.
Scallops are impossible to resist on restaurant menus, but cooked at home, are cheaper and taste just as good. For this recipe, scallops are seared in oil, then roasted for a few minutes with parmesan and chives.
This Hungarian soup takes a little while to make, but it serves 8 so it's great for batch-cooking.
Salmon teriyaki kebabs take no time to prepare and cook in minutes. Skewered chunks of salmon are brushed with a garlic, ginger, honey, soy sauce and sesame glaze, then baked under the grill until juicy and cooked-through.
A rich and wonderful lamb's liver pâté that goes best with lightly toasted (and slightly sweet) brioche, this recipe isn't for the faint of heart. It is, however, perfect for those who want to indulge themselves and delve into the world of classic French gastronomy.
Recipes don't get much more comforting than this warming carrot and chestnut soup. Cooked chestnuts give the soup a deliciously nutty flavour and depth while finely grated Gruyere provides a lush and moreish mouthfeel.
Not only does this dish look beautifully colourful, but it tastes fantastically juicy, make it with the kids and enjoy a fun way to get your 5-a-day!
Italy on a plate, this marinated fig salad oozes with the flavours of a mediterranean hot summer's day: sliced, ripe, figs, fragrant lemon, moreish cured Spanish ham, and creamy mozzarella. A honey and mustard shallot dressing perfectly balances the sweetness of the summer fruit in this salad.
These potted prawns with melba toast will make an impressive starter at your dinner party. Helpfully, they can be prepared hours in advance and kept in the fridge until your guests arrive. Wait until the last minute to make the melba toast to keep it nice and crisp.
Make your own bread with this delicious Turkish bread recipe, which has the added bonus of a gorgeous feta filling. The sesame seeds add a moreish light crunch. Perfect for a picnic or as part of a lunch.
Celebrity chef Ken Hom shares a delicious recipe, perfect for a traditional Chinese banquet
Buttery new potatoes, zingy lemon and sweet succulent salmon are paired together in this hearty salad for a real taste of summer. With only five minutes needed to prep, throw in some sundried tomatoes and olives for a sunny Mediterranean flavour.
This is a traditional and comforting Irish recipe which is great to have on a Sunday
Considered a delicacy in Europe, this cured fish goes nicely with the creamy and velvety taste of new potatoes
This soup will thicken a little as it stands, so thin it out with a splash of hot water or stock if needed
Serve up this wonderfully creamy and garlicky whipped feta dip as part of a Christmas sharing platter. Simply blitz everything together and serve with crisp flatbreads or crackers for an easy festive party snack.
Four pitta breads go a long way with this thrifty party canapé recipe.
Bacon and avocado are one of the best double acts in food and they're combined beautifully in this salad. Parmesan croutons add crunch (an excellent way of using up ciabatta bread, too) and are so much easier to make than you might think.
Making your own fishcakes is a gamechanger. These ones are packed full of flavour with their mix of sweet potato, salmon and cod – and are so easy to make, too. Spice it up with Cajun seasoning for a bit of variety. Use potatoes if you prefer.
Sweet, firm, white scallops and the paprika-hot orange oil of smoky chorizo are delicious when cooked together – plus this salad, which is bursting with summer flavours, only takes ten minutes to make.
Looking for a pasta salad to enjoy alongside your barbecue favourites? This one might just fit the bill! Strong, peppery rocket balances beautifully with the crème fraîche, while the capers and lemon add a tasty tang.
This healthy, dairy-free recipe is a great way to enjoy your favourite kebab fakeaway at home.
Impress your nearest and dearest and have a go making homemade chicken goujons and ketchup. You'll need some fresh breadcrumbs to coat the meat so use a food processor to blend some slightly stale bread. The ketchup is a simple and magical combination of tomatoes, salt, sugar, and vinegar.
Sunshine on a plate and full of amazing flavours: crab, mango and avocado marry perfectly with mint, lime and red chilli for a Mexican-style meal. What's more, it only takes 15 minutes to prepare and is a healthy choice to boot.
This retro favourite has had a lovely makeover. Traditional Marie Rose is replaced by a crème fraîche with lemon, garlic and paprika. This powerful sauce is a brilliant match for the large prawns and crunchy little gem.
These spicy tostadas are made to be enjoyed as canapés with cocktails. Prawn, avocado, red chilli, coriander and lime combine for a Mexican flavour sensation. Be sure to leave enough time for marinating.
Crispy fried breadcrumbs on the outside and gooey in the centre, prawn croquettes are a great Spanish tapas classic.
Making your own sushi is easier than you might think. Sushi rice is mixed with homemade sushi vinegar (rice wine vinegar and caster sugar) before being combined with the tuna, mayo and spring onion mix – plus just a little bit of wasabi.
Cheese lovers will adore this three cheese soufflé, with the strong, tangy flavours of Cheddar, Gruyère and Parmesan. Serve it straight from the oven with a fresh green salad and a hunk of crusty bread
These oven-baked chicken drumsticks, deliciously spiced with curry paste, are sure to become a firm favourite with the whole family. Served with a refreshing cucumber salad, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy any night of the week
Start your dinner party with these fresh-tasting crunchy crostini canapés: Broad beans, blended with herbs and lemon zest on toast with goat's cheese. Surely the perfect companion to a glass of prosecco.
A great match of vibrant, earthy beetroot and strong, oily mackerel - this tasty salad uses a horseradish-spiced crème fraîche dressing and crispy, fresh salad leaves for the perfect quick and easy gluten-free dinner.