02. Trio of mezze dips

Snacky food to have with drinks is a vital category at this thirsty time of year and this pretty little festive trio (red, green and white, very Christmassy) not only look and taste delightful but can be frozen and pulled out with a smug "tah dah" at any time through the holidays. We are particularly enamoured with the beetroot and orange dip which has a bit of seasonal spicing, tahini and sour cream rounding out its sweet earthiness - a sprinkle of bright green pistachio crumbs makes a fabulous colour contrast. We're also making a versatile rocket, basil and cashew pesto (just as good tossed through pasta as a dip) and our classic homemade hummus. Really, you can't go wrong. Empty the dips out into three pretty bowls (hide the evidence!) on a platter, surround with cut vegetable batons and crackers and get the party started. 3 x 200ml tubs.

Beetroot and orange dip: beetroot, white beans, tahini, orange, sour cream, olive oil, salt, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, chilli flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, paprika, pistachios, pepper. (SESAME, MILK, TREE NUTS) Rocket, basil and cashew pesto: rocket, basil, cashews, parmesan, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper. (TREE NUTS, MILK) Home-made hummus: chickpeas, cumin, garlic, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, water, salt, sodium bicarbonate. (SESAME)

Serve with drinks, with vegetable batons and crackers.