. Party nibbles for all Before you go overboard working out what to cook for the grown-ups at the party, remember that most adults are secretly fond of retro party food, crisps and child-sized sandwiches and other popular nibbles. You could save yourself a

Great to give to children and toddlers who like to let the pastry melt rather than chew, chew, chew.Ingredients75g lard, chilled and cubed75g butter, chilled and cubed225g plain flour100g grated Parmesan cheese½ tsp mustard powderA pinch of grated nutmeg1–2 tbsp very cold water1 ...

whole milk7.5cm pig-shaped cookie cutter26 cake pop sticksMethod1. To make the pastry, put the flour and salt in a food processor and pulse to incorporate. Add the lard and mix on high for 10 seconds, or until the mixture resembles cornmeal. Add the egg

Pumpkin cupcakesThese cupcakes are popular at Halloween and Thanksgiving. The light sprinkling of ground cinnamon over the Cream Cheese Frosting gives them a pretty finish.120 g plain flour140 g caster sugar1 tablespoon baking powder1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon,plus extra to deco...

THEY ARE ONE of Britain’s great summer traditions. The Queen herself leads the way with her royal garden parties replete with cucumber sandwiches (sans crusts, of course) and military brass band.    For your own child-friendly al fresco affair, you

We first had raclette while on holiday in Switzerland and it is a great cheesy party treat. Raclette is a Swiss take on fondue, whereby you melt cheese onto a variety of vegetables, most commonly potatoes (or you can use bread). Tefal have created a

and springy to the touch. Remove to a wire rack and leave to cool. 4. Beat together the butter and cream cheese for the frosting until smooth. Add the icing sugar a third at a time and continue to mix, adding the vanilla and then the red food colouring

Ready Steady Party by Lucy Broadhurst (Murdoch Books, £12.99) is jam-packed with ideas for different party themes, as well as a variety of great party food and drink recipes, including these scrumptious Strawberry Pillows.Strawberry PillowsMakes 18

Ginger cupcakes & Ginger fudge icingGinger cupcakesMakes 18 regular cupcakesIngredients200g unsalted butter, diced175g  molasses sugar3 tbsp black treacle2 large eggs, free-range or organic, beaten300g  self-raising flour150ml Semi-Skimmed Milk4 pieces of stem ginger, drained and...

Ingredients For the sponge350g (12oz) caster sugar350g (12oz) butter, softened115g (4oz) ground almonds2 tsp vanilla essence1/2 tsp almond essence6 medium eggs, lightly beaten170g (6oz) plain flour4 tsp milkFor the almond buttercream170g (6oz) icing sugar85g (3oz) ground almonds ...