RECOMMENDATIONS

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  Christmas cake

  You can make this Christmas cake weeks before or even the day before - the taste will still be traditional and delicious. The recipe for almond paste, which is toasted in the oven for extra flavour, comes from Rachel's mother-in-law, Darina Allen.

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  Haunch of venison with red wine and tangy beetroot puree

  Paul Rankin creates a ruby red venison dish complementing the rich gamey meat with a red wine sauce and zingy beetroot puree

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  Pan-fried grey mullet with stir-fried vegetables

  Michael Caines creates a light, healthy meal that feeds two for less than a fiver!

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  Melba toast

  Melba toast is a perfect accompaniment for potted shrimp, pate or soup. From James Martin

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  Sprouted bean ussal

  Anjum Anand’s mixed bean and vegetable starter combines an aromatic mixture of spices, with a hint of coconut

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  Pork cheek salad

  Gary Rhodes' pork cheek salad with apple sauce makes a surprisingly elegant starter

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  Coq au vin

  An overnight marinade adds depth to Daniel Galmiche's French classic

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  Brussels sprouts with pancetta and chestnuts

  Complete your Christmas dinner with James Martin's delicious Brussels sprouts cooked with sweet-tasting pancetta and chestnuts

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  Crab thermidor

  Carla Lagan Brown has come up trumps with this easy but indulgent shellfish recipe, creating an impressive alternative to the more traditional lobster thermidor

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  Chilli con carne

  Beat the early winter blues with Allegra McEvedy’s take on Texas’s official state dish!