Showstopper dinner

This past week was a toughie. Both Dan and Kieran were SUPER sick (Dan had pneumonia!), and tending to them pretty much dominated my whole life. Not that I mind, of course, but nothing got done! I am behind at work. I am behind on housework. You should see the laundry piles around here. Oy.

Peppercorn Beef Tenderloin - This well-dressed roasted beef is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday gathering.

This roast will make a magical showstopper at Christmas as a turkey alternative. The warm spices and sweet, tangy marinade work brilliantly with lamb. Get the Sainsbury's magazine recipe

Wow your guests this holiday season with a Juicy Christmas Stuffed Turkey Breast! It's not only a showstopper for your festive dinner but also makes your meal prep a breeze, ensuring you spend more time enjoying time with family.

Pan-roast cod with confit Jersey Royals, pancetta, samphire and lemon - Graham Campbell. Seaside flavours of cod and samphire are mingled with terrestrial potatoes and pancetta for a superb main course that would be a real showstopper, whether for a dinner party or an intimate meal, this baked fish recipe will impress.

This is a stunning dessert for a special occasion. It also has a nice element of surprise, as the meringue base is not quite what you might expect: gooey – almost toffee-like – rather than dry and crispy. This is due to the brown sugar in the mix. Combined with the praline cream and fresh figs, it’s absolutely delicious. Pavlova is the dessert to make when you have a bit of time and are feeding people you adore. The recipe calls for flaked almonds but you can easily substitute those with…

A stunning centrepiece, this slow-cooked Indian leg of lamb is meltingly tender and served in a sticky, glossy, rich and slightly tangy sauce. With a raita on the side made from whipped goat's curd, it's the perfect showstopper for a Sunday dinner with a difference. Serve with rice, flatbreads and other Indian side dishes for a full-blown feast.

These fantastically fiery fritters are packed with vindaloo-spiced shredded pig's head and Goan sausage, which is similar to the chorizo Portuguese colonisers introduced to the southern Indian region. The spiced apple chutney on top provides a contrasting sweetness.

Indulge in a delightful twist on a classic favorite with this plant-based Basque cheesecake. Featuring a creamy, luscious interior and a beautifully burnt top, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion. Perfect for vegans and cheesecake lovers alike, this recipe combines rich flavors with a stunning presentation. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this cheesecake is sure to impress with its unique texture and irresistible taste.

Amazing Christmas Cheesecake to make your holidays magic. Vanilla bean cheesecake layered with an easy cranberry jam and smooth white chocolate mousse.