Tried and tasted festive winners

Evoke holidays at the Cornish seaside where this recipe hails. It’s named for the filling of mackerel or sardines (whatever the day’s catch might be) as their heads look skyward through a golden crust

Turn tired veg, leftover meat, and tinned staples into comforting, low-cost meals in a flash. 1 BLITZED VEGETABLE SOUP Clear out the fridge and give that sad-looking veg a second life. Roast or simmer

Ingredients (Makes 12) 200 g plain chocolate50 g unsalted butter225 g light or Genoa-style fruitcake, crumbled2 tsp mixed spice12 plastic lolly sticks50 g white chocolate chips25 g green coloured read

Have a shot at Edinburgh Gin’s brand-new Raspberry Collins canned cocktail, perfect for a picnic with its enticing fruity notes. They’re also 2% ABV and 50 calories per can! RRP £1.50 from Tesco. If t

MAKES 36 PREP 20 mins plus overnight setting COOK 35 mins MORE EFFORT V 300g green shelled pistachios2 tsp flavourless oil, such assunflower oil1 tbsp cornflour1 tbsp icing sugar2 x 20cm square sheets

SERVES 8-10 PREP 30 mins plus up to 2 days dry-brining COOK 3 hrs MORE EFFORT ❄ butter only For the flavoured butter 200g unsalted butter, softened3 garlic cloves, crushed2 tbsp soy sauce1 tbsp Worces