(almost) effortless entertaining!

Often, it’s the supporting roles that command the most attention – like these glorious starters, sides and sauces

Whether it’s festive nibbles with the neighbours or a full-scale NYE party, these drinks and canapés are sure to please all

A laid-back dinner to share with friends

By The Happy Pear (thehappypear.ie) Serves 6-8 | Prep 15 mins | Cook 20 mins 1 sheet of shop-bought puff pastry, such as Jus Rol4 tbsp The Happy Pear’s Lovely Basil Pesto2 tbsp The Happy Pear’s Sun-dr

■ Serves 16 ■ Prep 45 mins plus cooling ■ Cook 30 mins 140g unsalted butter, plus extrafor the tin100ml grapeseed or anotherflavourless oil200ml milk3 tbsp yogurt1 tsp vanilla extract2 eggs, at room t

■ Serves 4 ■ Prep 30 mins ■ Cook 50 mins 4 large field mushrooms4 tbsp olive oil1 garlic clove, chopped400g spinach leavesflour, for dusting1 tbsp thyme leaves500g block all-butter puff pastry140g sti