Despite trying desperately to be a vegetarian I just can’t get used to the quorn/tofu versions of sausages we get in our local supermarket. They just don’t have the texture or the flavour that I look for and they seem incredibly expensive compared to the meat versions. However, I’ve now come across a recipe which has all the herbs and ingredients I enjoy and it’s not too expensive to make!

A quick, cheap and different dish to serve up at your Christmas finger buffet party.

You can pick up “mini pizzas” for parties pretty easily at most supermarkets these days but here’s a slightly different and more interesting alternative which can be made quickly and easily.

I love pesto stirred into my pasta. It makes a gorgeously quick tasty meal and all you need to do is add some tinned tomatoes, a chopped onion, a bit of basil, some garlic and fish, chicken, or shellfish to turn a boring meal into something with a bit of a spark. I often turn to it when I'm strapped for time after a busy day at work.