Dips are so useful to whip up in a hurry and this one is a brilliant standby recipe. There are usually a few onions knocking about in most kitchens and if you don't have sour cream either substitute with plain yoghurt (Greek or natural) or add a little lemon juice to double cream. Check out the great method below for crispy fried shallots - no mess and no smelly kitchen. Ingredients 2 large onions 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 3 tbsp olive oil 2 sprigs of thyme 2 tsp brown

This canapé is a miniaturised version of one of our favourite Jennifer Joyce starters. She piles the delicious tomato salad onto slices of thick sourdough bread that have been toasted and spread with creamy goats cheese. We just love this starter, it is quick, easy and bursting with flavour and the baby sized canapé is just as tasty in one mouthful. Ingredients - makes 20 20 cherry tomatoes 3 tbsp creamy goats cheese (or cream cheese) 1 shallot, finely chopped Dressing 1 tb