Category: Lifestyle

Christmas is for decadent food and enjoying simple traditions, like watching classic films, catching up with family and playing games. When you have a million other things to do, putting together a trifle is such an easy option. I mean, who doesn’t like a bowl of custard, cream and fruit? The best thing is you […]

A Christmas ham is a thing of joy and smoky, sticky deliciousness. This recipe is an easy to deliver but beautiful version that will really make you look accomplished to your friends and family – and keep them coming back for more! Serves 3-4 peoplesmoked gammon 1kg-1.2kg joint For the poaching liquorwhole black peppercorns 5gbay […]

Æbleflæsk is a classic Christmas dish in Denmark, with many different regional varieties. Ask your butcher to cut the pork if you’re not confident in your knife skills or the sharpness of your knives. Serves 8boneless pork belly 1kg, cut in ½cm slicessalt and pepperthyme 20 sprigsbramley apples 3, unpeeled, cut in wedgesred onion 1 […]

I always want to escape the holiday season and head for warmer weather, but when that’s not possible, I import the bright flavours of the Mediterranean for a winter dinner party – when in doubt, go for zesty, not fussy. This side dish can be prepared well in advance, so there is no last-minute frenzy […]

These shiny red shards of cabbage look as though they should be tinsel dangling upon the Christmas tree. The vinegary sourness cuts fatty meat perfectly, the little raisins burst with intense juice, and aromas of orange zest, cloves and cinnamon fill the kitchen. This dish eats really well cold, too – over cold slices of […]

Turkey is most people’s bird of choice for the Christmas meal because they’re big and leftovers are endlessly adaptable. This year, the limit of six round the table means there will be a run on small turkeys. A 5kg bird is the perfect size for six with generous leftovers. For my money, the best choice […]

The inspiration for this comes from an excellent Malay dish called ayam percik, where chicken is grilled over charcoal flames after being marinated in an irresistible coconut and lemongrass sauce. Malaysian-style Nandos if you like. I have used duck for this spicy Christmas treat, which goes really well with the usual festive extras such as […]