Features

10 easy recipes for every occasion from Mary’s Foolproof Dinners

by Rachel Deeley

published on 10 October 2024, last updated on 29 September 2025

For many of us, Mary Berry is the go-to authority on effortless home cooking and baking – and, with her latest cookbook Mary’s Foolproof Dinners and accompanying BBC2 series , she’s made it even easier to find the perfect recipe for your evening meals.

There’s lots to love about this cookbook and its 120 must-try recipes. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites that you’ll find inside, from quick midweek meals and crowd-pleasing canapés, to date night dinners and desserts. Plus, don’t miss the accompanying BBC2 series – discover our recipe round-up here .

Recipes for making ahead

Garlic Chicken Fricassee

This classic French dish, featuring tender poached chicken in a creamy white wine sauce, can be made up to eight hours in advance and freezes well.

Black Forest Trifle

Take inspiration from an 80s classic with this easy trifle recipe, featuring layers of boozy soaked biscuits, tart cherry compote, and light yet rich whipped mascarpone.

Recipes for a crowd

Salmon and Dill Pickle Bites

For a lighter take on sausage rolls, these party-ready pastries have a fresh, herby salmon and cream cheese filling.

Potato Wedges with Bloody Mary Salt Mix

Finished with a lip-smacking seasoning and creamy dip on the side, these potato wedges are sure to spice up your next dinner spread.

Recipes for a quick meal

Horseradish Beef and Red Pepper Stir-fry

This inventive recipe uses the classic combination of beef and horseradish to create a flavourful stir-fry that packs a punch.

Asparagus and Fennel Salad with Tarragon Dressing

For something fresh and light, look no further than this simple yet delicious salad, complete with a zingy dressing of honey, mustard, and fresh tarragon for added brightness.

Dinner for two

Venison Steaks with Glazed Beets and Little Gem Salad

Venison is lean yet rich with flavour – and pairs beautifully with the side of redcurrant jelly-glazed beetroots in this recipe.

Baileys Ice Cream

All you need to make this boozy, luxurious ice cream is five ingredients, making it the perfect fuss-free dessert to make and store in your freezer.

Recipes for kids

Cottage Pie with Grated Double Potato Topping

Two kinds of potatoes, combined with a golden cheddar topping, make this classic with a twist a great option for feeding a hungry family.

Toffee Fudge Tart

Featuring a buttery biscuit base, indulgent toffee filling, and a light and tangy cream topping, this make-ahead dessert is a great post-dinner showstopper.

View all

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