Although ‘tartine’ is just a fancy way of saying ‘open sandwich’, they’re definitely a lot posher than the average sarnie! We like to serve these as a starter, or cut them into smaller pieces as part of a finger-food buffet. Serves 4.

This easy starter is a riff on a much-loved classic, and simply swaps prawns for hard-boiled eggs (handy if you need to accommodate one or two vegetarians at a mainly meat-eating gathering, though it’s worth checking your Worcestershire Sauce is vegetarian). Serves 2.

Great to look at and even better to eat, these special little pies make a spectacular starter - definitely a worthy vehicle for our wonderful, locally-caught scallops! Makes 4 pies.

This delectable starter takes just moments to make – especially if you make the pea purée ahead, and reheat it gently while the scallops are cooking.

Creamy and savoury, this winter wonder of a soup is topped with sage-infused brown butter and crispy fried sage leaves. Serves 4.

Based on a classic recipe from the south of France, these pissaladières may be small but they pack plenty of flavour, thanks to their delicious anchovy, olive and slow-cooked onion topping. To save time, the onions can be cooked up to three days ahead and stored in the fridge until needed. Makes 24.

Sure to please your guests, this rich and delicious starter is host-friendly, too, as it can be made in advance, then refrigerated and cooked quickly when needed. It’s a vegetarian recipe if you use a hard cheese made without animal rennet – and don’t forget to serve with plenty of bread! Serves 6.