“I have never thought of myself as the sort of cook who makes his own bits and pieces to serve with drinks,” said Nigel Slater, writing about Christmas in the Observer. “When I do, I realise I should have done so all along. Not just because what I’ve made often tastes better than anything I can buy, but because the effort is much more appreciated.”
With that in mind, we bring you simple, delicious recipes to please both guests and cooks throughout the festive season. Make Georgia Levy’s mac ’n’ cheese canapés, build Georgina Hayden’s blinis and try not to eat all of Anja Dunk’s triple-chocolate biscotti in one sitting. Then relax with a glass of Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller’s negroni punch. Happy Christmas from OFM!
The classic Christmas canapé, easily customised with your favourite toppings (pictured above)
The ultimate cheesy biscuit, impossible to resist
A little warm savoury muffin to have with a glass of something cold and fizzy
Comfort food in canapé form – what could be better?
Your new festive friend – just add sparkling wine or soda water for instant party drinks
A classic paté to serve on toast or crostini
Crunchy, spicy, comes together at the last moment – an excellent party snack
The perfect trio – bread sticks, chilli butter, cured meat
Toast the season with a glass of grown-up punch
Superior mini sausages on sticks
Crisp outside and fluffy within, perfect with a tangy citrus sauce
How do you make popcorn better? Add bacon
This fresh take on the Christmas classic will please vegans – and everyone else
Fresh, creamy, sweet, pickly – level up your dip game
As good on toast as it is stirred through pasta
Rich, squidgy and always a crowdpleaser
A festive tear-and-share to dip into hot cheese
A snack to savour at any time during the festive season
Switch wine for cider to improve on a Christmas favourite
Dip in cocoa for an even more intense chocolatey hit