06:30PM
THE COOK AND THE CHEF

This week, Maggie Beer and Simon Bryant show us how to prepare excellent cocktail food for a stress-free party. They both have strong feelings about parties - but for very different reasons. "I've always loved parties," says Maggie. "I can invite plenty of guests, because they don't have to be seated, and with the right party food it's so easy to feed a crowd."

Simon's not always as keen because he's had to cater for so many cocktail functions involving so many guests. However, he believes cocktail food is a great way to entertain. "I personally really like cocktail food," he says. "I think it's a great way to eat."

Maggie's favourite spot for a party is in her courtyard around the wood oven, which means pastry and freshly-made pizzas have a starring role. "The food is fun, filling and informal - and everyone's involved", Maggie explains.

It can be stressful hosting a cocktail food party at home - so imagine having one for 400 guests! It's impressive and enlightening when Simon shows how a large hotel kitchen creates thousands of beautiful, individual portions for a cocktail function. "If you're doing a cocktail menu at home, it's important to design the food so it works for fingers," Simon advises.

The Cook And The Chef share their secrets about what to make ahead of time, and how to prepare some dishes with the help of shopbought bases and toppings. Maggie and Simon's cocktail food is hard to resist - but not hard to make.