Hearty classics

A nut roast packed with umami, smokiness and sweetness from squash, lentil and dates. SERVES 6 | PREP 2 HRS PLUS RESTING | COOK 1 HR 15 MINS EASY 400g butternut squash, cut into 2cm cubes 3 tsp smoked

A crowd-pleasing pie with a rich, buttery filling. Sage leaves are baked into the pastry while the beetroot adds vibrant colour. SERVES 8 PREP 30 mins plus40 mins chilling COOK 1 hr 30 mins MORE EFFOR

SERVES 4-6 PREP 20 mins plus cooling COOK 50 mins EASY 1 medium pumpkin or butternutsquash2 tbsp olive or rapeseed oilpinch of Aleppo chilli flakes, plusextra to serve (optional)3 tbsp maple syrup100g

Make this savoury tear-and-share bread to serve alongside soup and dips. It also makes an eye-catching side dish for a Christmas gathering. SERVES 8-10 PREP 40 mins plus 2 hrs proving COOK 35 mins MOR

SERVES 2 PREP 5 mins COOK 25 mins EASY 20g walnut pieces1 tsp rapeseed oil2 slim leeks (about 170g), well washedand thinly sliced175g wholemeal penne2 garlic cloves, finely grated160g baby spinach40g

This impressive plan-ahead Christmas lunch from Flora Shedden is a mouthwatering mix of traditional recipes and deliciously unexpected flavours