RECOMMENDATIONS

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  Chocolate-dipped walnuts

  Mark Hix’s perfect little Christmas treats are simple to prepare and can be made about a week ahead.

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  Fennel stuffed sea bass parcels

  Stan Waite's fragrant fish parcels bake in their juices so when they are opened at the table their citric aromas are released

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  Popcorn chicken stuffed with garlic purée

  Jason Atherton jazzes up chicken kiev until it’s barely recognisable with the help of a foam gun and some crushed popcorn!

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  Twice-cooked duck curry with sweet potatoes

  Ben O’Donoghue’s Thai-style curry is fragrant with a delicious combination of herbs, spices and coconut cream

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  Beef stir fry with pak choi and red peppers

  Gary Rhodes' speedy stir fry with beef, pak choi and red peppers makes a great mid-week supper

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  Rib of beef with salad

  Gary Rhodes' herby butter-smeared beef steaks are divine with a simple salad

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  Santa’s Little Helper

  Cup your hands around this tasty tipple and feel toasty inside and out. Fruity and comforting, the smooth warmed golden rum perfectly complements the dry cranberry and sour apple. This drink can easily be made in larger quantities for groups or parties.

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  Citrus fruit gratin with candied fennel

  Jun Tanaka creates a simple tangy grapefruit gratin with a sparkling wine sabayon, topped with delicate candied fennel

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  Pasta with a Bolognese sauce

  Gennaro Contaldo makes his version of the classic Bolognese sauce, using beef and pork for extra flavour

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  Tagliatelle with deli sauce

  Aaron Craze makes fresh pasta with a simple creamy artichoke and salami sauce