Now is the time for wonderful stews and casseroles if you have been wise enough to save your leftovers and freeze them; not just for lunch either, breakfast casseroles are a treat!

The detritus from “veggie” platters, cheese plates and the like should not be disregarded as unredeemable. In their present form maybe, but they can be transformed into wonderful ratatouille, fruit cocktail, etc.,  if you put your thinking cap on.

Its that time of year for gathering together – parties, year end celebrations, receptions just to let off a little steam after a tough year!

When planning finger foods, canapes and the like, figure 5 to 7 per person per half hour and you should be pretty safe – you may run out of some assortments but overall you’ll be alright.