Buffet favourites with a twist

SERVES 6-8 PREP 15 mins plus 1 hr brining and 20 mins resting COOK 1 hr 30 mins MORE EFFORT 2.5kg smoked gammon joint, tied2 onions, skin on, halved2 bay leaves1 thyme sprig2 carrots, roughly chopped6

Why not take a cake to your next summer gathering?

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

With cosy season just around the corner, try one of these tempting treats that taste as good as they look

■ Serves 8 ■ 20 mins plus 1 hr chilling ■ Cook 5 mins 50g frozen mixed berries4 tbsp golden caster sugar4 tbsp crème de cassisabout 250g madeira cake, sliced250g mascarpone500g fresh custard2 tsp vani

SERVES 6-8 PREP 35 mins plus 2 hrs cooling COOK 3 hrs 30 mins MORE EFFORT V 4 clementines or satsumas, peeled,pith removed and cut into thinrounds crosswise25g shelled pistachios, chopped25g dark choc