Competitive cook-in

Dishes to wow your female friends at a Little Christmas pot-luck supper, writes DOMINI KEMP


Eat cake

BAKING: A zippy citrus cake full of winter sunshine to tempt the tastebuds, writes EUNICE POWER


Fortified for the festivities

They may be the ugly ducklings of the wine world but what’s better than a warming glass of port, a nutty sherry or a rich Madeira on these cold winter nights?



Alternative puddings: not a raisin in sight

If you would like to offer an alternative to the traditional Christmas pudding, make a crowd-pleasing sticky toffee pudding, or an elegant Charlotte Russe


Christmas, honestly

HO HO HUMBUG: Cooking for family and friends at Christmas can be a minefield



Cupboard love

Having a well stocked larder and fridge means you can cope with unexpected guests, writes DOMINI KEMP


Decadent mini desserts

Passion fruit souffle, chocolate orange cremes, chocolate almond clouds, florentines, madeleines...



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