Something new to snack on for Thanksgiving, at Christmas – or just for everyday munching: beetroot and orange chaat with mini poppadoms, and a fruit and nut topping for cheese, dessert or gifting

Canapes, finger food, snacks, nibbles: whatever we call them and whatever occasion we’re making them for, these bits-and-bobs foods are very often my favourite thing to eat, especially at this time of year. They’re almost impossible to resist, yet, being small, they also have the benefit of leaving plenty of space for the next feast to come. They’re also not so much about a set list of recipes as a collection of flavours to be kept close at hand. So here’s to cinnamon and citrus, to port and pomegranate, to festive aromas and colours, and the season’s seemingly endless opportunities to snack.