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If you make one thing… • A heavenly mash-up of two time-honoured pudding favourites ̶ Eton mess and tiramisu. It's speedy enough for a midweek treat but fancy enough to get you in the festive spirit
November…
APPETISERS • Inspiration, bite-size news, reviews & great stuff to do
PUB OF THE MONTH • THE QUEEN'S ARMS, CORTON DENHAM, SOMERSET
FESTIVE SPARKLE
WHAT'S ON THE MENU? • Food editor Tom Shingler mixes and matches this month's creations
OVER TO YOU
STAR PRIZE
meet the reader • German-born globetrotter Andrea Hilgers, 50, runs event business Pomalo in Kent
What's your favourite soup? • Here's what you told us on Twitter…
Your 2022 gift guide • Here they are: presents for a range of tastes, pockets and kitchen interests, while there's still time to order ahead… Happy shopping!
Cookbooks they'll love • Find that special present for a food lover with our pick of the best recent releases
A glass of red with Ainsley Harriott • The chef and presenter shares his love of the Gunners, The Galloping Gourmet and getting ready for Christmas
Party-ready canapés
The good stuff • Keep those claggy sage and onion stuffing balls at bay with one of these four brilliant recipes from top chefs, all of which can be made in advance and kept in the freezer to tick one more thing off your festive food list
A centrepiece FOR ONE
FROZEN ASSETS
THE NEW GRATINS • Serving spoons at the ready for tender vegetables surrounded by rich sauce, oozing with cheese, hot from the oven with a crisp crust. Our new takes on the classic winter dish will have your mouth watering - and ready for a second helping
The gift of GIVING • The care and thought that go into making homemade presents can elicit real joy. These make-ahead edibles, all with a good shelf life, will hit the spot with food lovers
How to wrap sustainably
How to avoid CPA • Tinsel addict Debora Robertson loves the anticipation of the big day - as long as she doesn't get hung up on the actual planning. Luckily, her get-ahead secrets are stress free
Choose your PUDDING! • For many it's the finale of the festive feast, so there's pressure to bring something special to the table. Well, whatever your culinary skills, we have a pud for you. And best of all, each one can be made in advance, leaving you one less thing to worry about on the day itself
WIN BIG • IN OUR CHRISTMAS HAMPERS GIVEAWAY!
Could the microwave be your Christmas saviour? • At one time, no self-respecting chef would admit to owning one. Then along came a once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis and cooks everywhere have had a bit of a rethink on that boxy bleeping thing they've always felt a bit ashamed of. We're not suggesting you cook the turkey in it, but use your microwave wisely this festive season and it could be a trusty friend
COOKS WHO LOVE THEIR MICROWAVES
PRESS START FOR PUD
A favourite for Christmas Eve or Betwixtmas
OUR FOOD TEAM'S EXPERT DOS AND DON'TS FOR MICROWAVE COOKING AT CHRISTMAS
make it special with James Martin • From French-style scallops to a gather-round steak dinner with flavours from the Deep South, ever-popular TV chef James Martin has been inspired by his travels in creating these potato-powered recipes. They're all from his new book (see p94), and each one has h festivity-friendly wow-factor - even the cheesy mash
The cheese & chutney flight • You've heard of wine-pairing with a fine-dining meal… How about taking the same geeky approach to matching crackers...