Delicious UK

An award-winning magazine, delicious. features 50-plus triple-tested, foolproof recipes and astounding complementary editorial and photography every month.

welcome.

WHAT'S ON THE MENU? • Party-hatted head of food Tom Shingler curates meals and a picky-bits spread from this issue's seasonal delights

Season's greetings from Marcus Wareing • In this special interview, super-chef Marcus reveals what goes on in the Wareing household at Christmas (it involves lots of people, dogs and rigorous dishwasher discipline) and talks about his lifelong love of French cooking. Plus, he shares a favourite recipe that's made for a Betwixtmas brunch

APPETISERS • Inspiration, bite-size news, reviews and great stuff to do

PUB OF THE MONTH THE WHITE HORSE, DORKING, SURREY • whitehorsedorking.com

OVER TO YOU

WHAT YOU'RE COOKING • We're always nosing around for your latest culinary triumphs, and you never disappoint us with your skills. Find your foodie tribe at deliciousmagazine.co.uk/foodlovers

Your 2024 Christmas gift guide • Whether you're after pressie ideas for food-loving friends, or subtly leaving this hotlist in front of your partner, you won't find a better roundup of gourmet delights this year

Top 5 Christmas cookbooks • Do you have a favourite festive cookbook you rely on for the best mince pies or to help the big dinner along? Mark Diacono reveals his indispensable Christmas classics – with a few surprises in the mix

Starting in style • These special-occasion starters look chef-worthy and taste wonderful. Best of all, you can make the elements in advance, then assemble and add the finishing touches on the day – cue oohs and aahs from your assembled guests

Your veggie showstopper • These days, vegetarians at the Christmas table are accustomed to main courses that look and taste extraordinary. Food writer Elly Curshen's spectacular filo-wrapped wreath takes things to another level

The finishing touch • Looking for a special-gathering dessert that'll knock your guests' socks off? Look no further – each element of Pollyanna Coupland's beautiful trio of sweet treats can be made ahead – just put them together prettily on the plate for instant plaudits

Made with love • Presents are great – but presents you can eat are even better. Distribute these treats and you'll upstage Santa himself. They keep for ages, too, so you can sort out your gifts before the festive rush

Bonnie biccies • Around the world, there's a tradition of baking Christmas biscuits – here in the UK, not so much. We say it's time to change that! Start your own tradition with these simple treats from Scotland's TV star, The Hebridean Baker

Be a Better Festive Cook • ACE YOUR CHRISTMAS IN THE KITCHEN WITH OUR EXPERTS. STARRING… THE BIG DINNER MADE PERFECT, A DEEP DIVE ON MARITOZZI, EDD KIMBER'S SPECTACULAR CHOCOLATE SPONGE AND LILY VANILLI'S CAKE-ELEVATING KNOW-HOW

YOUR DEFINITIVE CHRISTMAS DINNER

Your Christmas timing plan • An organised cook is a happy cook – especially on the big day. Follow our plan and you'll be as chilled as a snowman, even while cooking the most important meal of the year. That leaves time for you to open presents, savour a glass or two and – crucially – enjoy the Christmas vibe

Chef's deep dive. The ultimate cream bun • In Rome they often start the day with a maritozzo – a light brioche bun, perfumed with orange zest and filled with fluffy vanilla cream. Learn how to perfect this classic with baker Roberto Nitti – and knock up a batch between Christmas and New Year

Technical bake. The new Christmas cake • Not a fan of fruit cake, no matter how festive? How about a multi-tiered cream-filled chocolate orange cake instead? Star baker Edd Kimber loves a certain Quality Street choc so much...