Pastry is definitely not a health food. It contains fat, salt and processed white flour which I know very well should occupy only the tiniest a tiny corner of our diet. Eaten too often, or in too big a portion, it will tip the weighing scales in the wrong direction and more.
Read MoreA Yorkshire beauty all in the pink
The reputation of porridge has suffered over the years. It is often thought of as a virtuous, worthy dish.
Read MoreNougat
Nougat has always been one of my favourite confections, along with marshmallow and Turkish delight. It should be sweet, chewy with a little crunchy but not rich.
Read MoreWinter juice no 2 - Green
I didn't quite realise just how delicious the combination of fresh vegetable and fruit juice could be. I guessed the flavours might be more soup like than fruit like, but I was wrong. This juice tasted of citrus, lime flower, lemon and apple with a hint of cucumber. The spinach and parsley were not dominant flavours but including them gave the juice its deep, vibrant colour.
Read MoreRecipes for the unexpected - Christmas chestnut, mushroom and cranberry roulade
This recipe is fabulous to eat freshly made or to prepare in advance and freeze. It is perfect for those unexpected Christmas guests and even better if one of them is a vegetarian. Most people think it is some kind of giant sausage roll but the discerning realise on the first bite it is a special concoction of chestnuts and mushrooms infused with the smell of lemon and thyme, and studded with cranberries.
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