Food and recipes have always offered comfort to Diana Henry. As she brings out a book celebrating her life as a food writer, she reveals how festive cooking brings her the most joy of all

Look to the Highlands for Hogmanay inspiration – these recipes are perfect for a New Year’s Eve celebration, or as a hangover cure buffet the following day

Ingredients (Serves 8) 65 g ready-to-eat dried apricots, chopped 65 g ready-to-eat dried figs, chopped 75 g ready-to-eat dried prunes, chopped 65 g Maraschino or glacé cherries, halved Half an orange,

Cheeseboard mince pies For a savoury twist on the classic mince pie, work sharp cheddar into the pastry – it pairs wonderfully with the rich, fruity mincemeat. Serve this warm, ideally with a glass of

MAKES 10-12 PREP 5 mins plus cooling COOK 30 mins EASY V 100g panettone 200g rolled oats 50g pumpkin seeds 1 tsp ground cinnamon 500g flaked almonds 50ml vegetable oil 50ml maple syrup 50ml honey 100g

Get the party started with our boozy desserts