Our pick of the best mince pies, tipples, nibbles, treats and sarnies for the Xmas holidays

The lull between Christmas and New Year is the perfect time to slow down and keep things simple in the kitchen. These comforting, budget-friendly ideas make the most of what you already have at home.

Once you’ve made the creamy leek sauce for the pie, you can add any cooked meat you fancy or cooked mushrooms and squash for a veggie version. ■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 10 mins ■ Cook 50 mins 300g cooked chic

Once the feasting ceases, and you’re craving something fresher and healthier, you can transform Christmas leftovers into nutritious and budget-friendly meals with ease using a few clever tweaks. 1 SOU

■ Serves 6 ■ Prep 20 mins ■ Cook 2 hrs 10 mins 1 tbsp olive oil750g lamb neck, cut into chunks4 carrots, cut into chunks1 red onion, cut into wedges400ml chicken stock, plus extrafor the couscous400g

What’s your go-to when you need a big, warm foodie hug? From saucy pasta to indulgent puds, our food team share their ultimate comfort dishes