Make these stunning, deeply satisfying dishes the centre of your dinner table.
The meals we share during festivities often involve a bit of theatre. Whether it’s the slicing of a roast, the precise arrangements of a pie topping or the golden colours of a caramelised dish, we seek food that
This recipe collection promises to deliver. The pea-crusted lamb leg, miso cauliflower and whole pan-fried fish all require a host to slice and serve. A cast iron serving of pasta or roast chicken can be placed with a dramatic thud. A hefty plating of shellfish can be simultaneously cracked open around the table and mopped up with tearings from a shared baguette.
Whichever dish you choose, you’ll find yourself carrying forward the tradition, with that special moment at the table.
![Photo / Eleanor Ozich](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/FE7QYXYHPVGCDNTY2KUQF7AE5I.jpg?auth=8d797dd640a5452633cd782f5dcb75a8732d484988d1f2e363d32409b8c3e61d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The deep golden brown of this cast iron serving makes it a scene stealer. Serve alongside pillowy potatoes and a big handful of fresh greens.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CI3ZVQSU7T3JJALJOQJAHOKBJQ.jpg?auth=2fc2c887eea5999dc8bb3060469a4bc0f406b6dd6819d573781582f3fe5eaf5a&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This oven-baked lamb leg is garnished with a rosemary and mint-infused crust. It should elicit oohs and ahhs upon its table placement.
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Advertise with NZME.![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DSKD6IBRIF7N2KZPYFGIRJTO2I.jpg?auth=0fb752798609b4c9e00d81728ea455ef3e50fda188ca8efba6a733b38ac56d3e&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This crispy fish dish ensures you won’t miss out on a single morsel of deliciousness — serving up the whole fish with sprigs of thyme and fresh lemon juice.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/OYMJHNIM5BYFTBKZUQTUYIG7OY.jpg?auth=35a35d47a0ec8f3e85e90bf4cacf938bb914a968bc60626a3deba01698ff5d64&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This glossy vegetarian serving seeks to include every diner in your festivities. The puff pastry is deeply comforting, while the vegetables are made tart with a little vinegar.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/GSBKMT4BDNE7FG6JMZCDX6Y7V4.jpg?auth=0c70d1ede9c24837c2872e2ec13a0a7af38b4c525400c22dee683d85b663dc2d&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The aroma of this herby chicken, cooked with all of its starchy accompaniments, should be enough to gather guests at the table.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/A44SJ37ZJBGQJI443P2FTGBM3U.jpg?auth=35ec7508b4f5fdf51fe950c8a03ee4b08964808f386e2c099b8628cae1044842&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
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![Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/WTLPOBGAYVDT7LQY2LM3CNSGNQ.jpg?auth=add55e701f625bd16189a0e62b48c2ec585651b59993bafc6aca964211566b47&width=16&height=22&quality=70&smart=true)
Rick Stein’s warming fish pie recipe is loaded with cheese, prawns and an enriching splash of white wine. The puff pastry topping adds a golden layer of comfort.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/N4TMJX3ADFF4CTHUCDQL7XNL3Q.jpg?auth=1f088c115417420e7029f55d4f4b1d4ec06c763d5c9cb008b40b8e1092ac2644&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
These sumac and sesame lamb loins feel and look luscious. It’s best served with a homemade salsa and seasonal greens (think spinach, courgettes and carrots).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/B5VLKIAOELG3URMS73LVPVOG24.jpg?auth=3a5da3d0e6ad0cab970a2b75011d7bf9ebab4832c7dad37cbc94a7bf10ce9e3e&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This pork oven roast is juicy and fall-off-the-bone tender. You’ll also collect a satisfying yield of crackling for even more tableside theatre.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/RHES7VA7OVEYTONFYFHFCO3WMA.jpg?auth=6a7ef2d6ee4095ab9829465d74b513fab1e156c253e642bf3bc99509825b3f6b&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Serve this vegetable-packed pasta in a cast iron for a sense of drama. It will feel appropriately seasonal (see: pumpkin) and delightfully vibrant (see: lemon).
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/YGIUS2MAHVVPXUONCZVKR3TL7M.jpg?auth=e10bbdcd32d091fda70e5ec8e00758b3fd25a37d8edee06780df4a35e592f0b1&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Sample this citrus-tinged shellfish and fish serving if you’re in the mood for seafood. Serve with a fresh baguette and pass around the table for everyone to tear.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/C5PQKIEN7FLP24T4GDC4TUIOEI.jpg?auth=45dcba7193843247678372bf538160176025275412144ebb45abbabc98a62871&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
The slicing of an oven roast is undeniably theatrical. This recipe sees rich beef paired with gravy and Yorkshire puddings.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/DMRQF4WJTCKQ6RPQXXPYAB43VM.jpg?auth=3b876fa92225654bdbd002d4da34dae32e5ec9967c8468cc791843f76b6637e3&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This glazed and garlicky whole cauliflower promises toasty and caramelised flavours for those who go without meat.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/X5JOUG7YSZHGHMFMOVTWIYPMRM.jpg?auth=e30a5d55a5662974d455505561786cabc03b6bbaea2415d8e7b9cda4ec36ff38&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
This crispy potato topping, with flecks of rosemary, encases a filling that revels in strong umami flavours.
![Photo / Babiche Martens](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/EEEJWIJHFXIEYBZLUXP4CCNOMA.jpg?auth=f93d304dca5d3aa7c2fd1647488a050547fe898d9c6d51fc7ea9617df3a2f29c&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
Opt for this slow-cooked roast if you want a real showstopper. Serve with homemade flatbreads and dollops of tangy and herby yoghurt.