FAMILY Festive Survival Guide 2016 by LincolnBrody Ltd

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FAMILY Food • Parenting • Education • Shopping • Life!

16 0 2 E ID U G L A IV V R U S E IV T FES

Nadiya’s Bake Me a Story – 10 copies up for grabs!! Page 18

Christmas Inspiration Seasonal Recipes Great Gift Ideas WIN a set of Pyrex cookware worth £100!! See page 30 …plus much, much more inside!

W E L C O M E Christmas really is our favourite time of the year and whilst it may take a bit of work, the rewards are well worth it. Special moments with family and friends, excited little (and big) ones, time off work and a touch of guilt free indulgence – what’s not to like?

In this Issue... P4 CHRISTMAS CRACKERS!

Cracking tips to help make this a Christmas to remember

P7 WE’RE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER SOFA Relaxing in front of the goggle box is one of the joys of Christmas – here are our top telly tips

P9 GETTING INFORMED ABOUT GAMING Family gaming expert Andy Robertson explains the PEGI ratings

P10 PUTTING THE ‘VENT’ IN ADVENT Have a chuckle on us with Katie Kirby’s blog, Hurrah for Gin (please drink resp…. ah, it’s Christmas)

P13 STOCKING THRILLERS!

p13

p26

A round up of some of the best books for kids

P19 BOOKS FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS

p42 Checkout these delicious cheesy sprouts we tested on page 42

A selection of Cookery, Lifestyle and Fiction titles as recommended by the experts at Waterstones

P20 SMART GADGET HABITS

As for the preparation, well we hope our Family Festive Survival Guide will ease the load – we’ve got smart tips, inspiring gift ideas, loads of tasty recipes and some wonderful prizes on offer to boot!

A truly ingenious way of limiting their screen time

We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year – see you in 2017!

Great gift ideas in music, games, film and audio technology

Cover picture of Nadiya Hussain, photography by Dan Annett Published by Lincolnbrody Ltd, 98 Hornchurch Road, Hornchurch, Essex RM11 1JS EMAIL info@lincolnbrody.co.uk EDITOR – Victoria Howdle FEATURES WRITER – Martina Fowler WRITER – Tim Ashton DESIGN & PRODUCTION – Daniel Josty ADVERTISING MANAGER – James Martin Copyright LincolnBrody Ltd No reproduction in whole or part is permitted without written permission. The publisher cannot be held liable for any loss suffered as a result of any information herein and are unable to accept and hereby expressly disclaim any liability for the consequences of any inaccuracies, errors or omissions or any implied warranty related to the promotions in this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Editor or the publisher. Although every effort has been made to ensure that all information is correct at the time of going to press, prices and offers may be subject to change.

P22 TOP 10 TIPS FOR A PRE- CHRISTMAS CLEAN Dr Beckmann helps you make it as pain-free as possible

P24 LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

P26 FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Cooking and particularly eating are a special part of the festive season. Introducing our Festive Kitchen special here are cooking tips for the main event and some great advice on reducing food waste – that doesn’t include inviting my brother round!

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P28 BAKING WITH NADIYA Two tasty treats from Nadiya Hussain’s fabulous book, Bake me a Story

P29 THE FUTURE IS FROZEN Not a seasonal weather forecast! A look at the huge benefits of embracing frozen food

P33 WE AIM TO CHEESE Make the most of this delicious Christmas staple with our focus on cheese

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Survival Christmas

Christmas Crackers!

They say Christmas is for the kids, but it can also be for adults too! Too often coping with it all – from buying the right present to not burning the turkey – can lead to frazzled emotions running high, and tempers fraying at the drop of a paper crown. But don’t get your tinsel in a twist – our cracking tips will help you enjoy more of the mistletoe and less of the ‘whine’ for a cool Yule this festive season!

THOUGHTFUL

MOMENTS Christmas can be a hectic time of year for some of us, with family, friends, Christmas shopping and of course Christmas dinner. But it also gives us a chance to reminisce over the past year and appreciate those around us, those that have been there for us when we need them, and those that have made an impact on our lives, no matter how large or small – after all, the smallest of gestures can make the biggest difference.

Have fun Remember, t’is the season to be jolly. Ultimately, Christmas is about what you like to do. If you love cooking up a storm or dashing about a bustling high street, then go for it. The point of Christmas is to enjoy it. When else do you get to eat chocolate before breakfast, wear a silly paper hat and set fire to your dessert?

Nothing is perfect When the festive season arrives, we often feel we must make everything perfect, but actually the idea of a ‘perfect’ Christmas is something only we can see. There is no need to buy every brand of beer under the sun or the most expensive champagne just to look impressive. There are times you’re going to have to let go. It’s Christmas, not a test!

Take some time out The build up to Christmas can seem like a never-ending nightmare of planning lists, shopping lists, card-writing… we could go on. So, once in a while, take a little time out and do something you enjoy doing. It can be something as simple as a long soak in the bath, a day out with the family or a lazy morning in bed reading your favourite magazine – try it, you’ll be amazed that the world will actually keep spinning!

Share the load

Christmas Posting Dates within Britain Tuesday 20 December 2nd Class and Royal Mail Signed For® Wednesday 21 December 1st Class and Royal Mail Signed For® Thursday 22 December Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed® Friday 23 December Special Delivery Saturday Guaranteed®

Don’t put yourself in charge of everything. Delegate, delegate, delegate! Make jobs disappear by giving everyone, whatever their age, something to do. Okay, you may end up with some wonky wrapping, but no one will notice on Christmas morning. A major de-clutter before the decorations go up will also help you keep on top of things. Use the ‘D’ word again and think about assigning a room to each family member.

Be cost wise Try not to over-spend. A typical family spends £796 on Christmas, according to YouGov. Christmas is one day out of 365 – and not worth ruining the rest of the year because you blew the budget. Christmas costs don’t have to be stressful. Just work out what you can spend

Busy lives mean we don’t always get the chance to show our appreciation to others, so why not use this Christmas to do just that with Elizabeth Shaw Chocolates. Chocolates speak louder than words, and Elizabeth Shaw chocolates are luxurious and ideal at any time of the day. They are sure to be appreciated and enjoyed by everyone, so why not share your gratitude this Christmas and #GiveChocolate with Elizabeth Shaw.

Share your thoughtful stories at facebook.com/ESchocolates www.elizabethshaw.co.uk — then try and keep to it as best you can. That includes presents, cards and postage, decorations, food and drink, going out, party clothes and travel. Want to cut costs without being a Scrooge? Try recycling last year’s party outfit, sticking to small ‘token’ presents for babies (who don’t mind if something costs £50 or £5) and share the load by inviting people to bring supplies on the big day. Top Tip – use the Money Advice Service Christmas Money Planner – it’s a really helpful tool to keep you on budget – go to www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/ christmas-money-planner

❝

Don’t put yourself in charge of everything. Delegate, delegate, delegate! Make jobs disappear by giving everyone, whatever their age, something to do.

❝

When the children are flagging, try playing a game around the dinner table. And when the children are asleep, dig out those more appropriate games that can have you laughing raucously at each other, or testing the little grey cells. Go Online Do some of your Christmas shopping online and you’ll avoid the crowds – and often save money too. Not only can you compare prices and get the best deals, but you’re also less likely to load up on things you don’t need. Just make sure you watch out for delivery costs and don’t leave it too late.

Don’t forget the kids We’re all about making sure the chef and organiser enjoy their Christmas holiday, but don’t forget that for children, it is the most magical time. In the run up to the big day, get your young ones to write to Santa Claus, and then send it to Santa’s Grotto, Reindeerland, XM4 5HQ by December 6 (hopefully it’s not too late) and the Royal Mail will send back a personalised reply free of charge. AND… don’t forget to leave out the milk (or whiskey) and mince pie on Christmas Eve.

Get into the Yuletide Spirit German themed Christmas markets – Weihnachtsmarkt – have seen a surge in popularity in recent years and if you haven’t been to one, then it really is a must-do to get the family into the true spirit of Christmas. 2016 marks the 10th anniversary of Winchester Christmas Market, whilst Manchester, Leeds, Bath and Oxford also hold well established events. Visit www.christmasmarkets.com for more detailed information regarding many other Christmas markets around the country and abroad. excuse not to join in a board game or two. When the children are flagging, try playing a game around the dinner table. And when the children are asleep, dig out those more appropriate games that can have you laughing raucously at each other, or testing the little grey cells.

record them and make the most of having all the family together? If the TV is on for the sake of it, you’ll end up watching anything – or any repeat. Christmas is a day for all the family, and not everyone wants to fall asleep in the post-dinner lull.

Set the TV recorder

Make sure you take enough photographs so that, in years to come, you can look back on a joyful day, and a job well done.

For some, watching Eastenders or the Christmas Day film is a tradition, but why not

Finally… memories…

Don’t get bored, get board games Your Christmas day may be turning into a murderous scene from Cluedo, but that is no

Be safe paying online this Christmas Don’t fall foul of online scams or fraud this Christmas – take these few simple steps from Which? Consumer Rights to protect yourself:

Install the right software Make sure you have good virus protection, anti-spyware software and a firewall on all your devices – including smartphones and tablets.

Update your browser Make sure you're using the latest version of your browser, and have it set to the highest security level and install updates when prompted.

Avoid dodgy links Don't navigate to sites by clicking links in emails or from adverts. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of a site, use a search engine to research it.

Do some security checks Secure sites will display a locked padlock or key symbol in the browser window. They will also have an address that begins 'https' instead of the usual 'http'.

Choose your payment method wisely It can be a good idea to get a credit card that you use just for online purchases as it'll make it easier for you to track your genuine purchases. Be savvy about your password If a site asks you to create a password, use a combination of letters and numbers and avoid using passwords that you've used before. With thanks to Which? Consumer Rights – visit which.co.uk for more information

Survival Christmas

We’re going to need a BIGGER sofa!

Credit: BBC/Hat Trick/Colin Hutton

There’s a feast of festive viewing in store this Christmas Fans of period drama can look forward to To Walk Invisible (BBC1) penned by Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright, an original take on the lives of the Bronte sisters. And, in a year when we’ve lost so many giants of the entertainment world, including beloved broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan, ITV presents a one-off edition of the iconic quiz show Blankety Blank, which Sir Terry, Les Dawson and Lily Savage presented. As this year’s host, David Walliams tweeted, he has ‘very big shoes to fill.’

miston

Credit: BBC/Ray Bur

As well as the usual Christmas editions of hit family shows such as Doctor Who, Outnumbered, Call the Midwife and The Great British Bake Off, highlights include an animation of the much-loved children’s classic We’re Going On A Bear Hunt on Channel 4, voiced by Olivia Colman, Mark Williams and Pam Ferris – and former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen, who wrote the book, plays the Bear! If you enjoyed the Agatha Christie thriller And Then There Were None, starring Poldark heart-throb Aidan Turner last Christmas, the folk behind that are following it with Christie’s classic courtroom drama The Witness for the Prosecution (BBC1.) Appearing in flashbacks, Sex and the City star Kim Cattrall stars as the murder victim, wealthy glamourpuss Emily French. Toby Jones (Marvellous, Dad’s Army) plays the main suspect’s solicitor. Dawn French, Emilia Fox, Iain Glen and Sheila Hancock star in Delicious, a brand new daring four-part drama on Sky 1 about two women going head-to-head after being betrayed by the same man.

Top: Outnumbered Christmas Special (BBC) Above: Doctor Who Christmas Special 2016, (BBC) rdillon

uctions/Mark Bou Credit: BBC/Love Prod

Left: The Great British Bake Off (BBC)

Survival Christmas

Getting Informed About

GAMING Buying games for the family can be a tricky business but PEGI ratings take the mystery out of choosing with simple traffic light system

PEGI Traffic Light System

● PEGI 3 and 7 are green advisory badges for games suitable for younger players. ● PEGI 12 and 16 are legally enforced amber badges that highlight more mature content such as violence, nudity or profanity. ●P EGI 18 red badges signify games for adults with gross violence that would give the player a sense of revulsion. On the back of the box, or nearby online, a set of descriptor symbols denote why a game got its rating: Bad Language, Drugs, Fear, Gambling, Sex and Violence.

LittleBigPlanet and Tricky Towers are great creative and collaborative family games on PlayStation 4.

Websites like AskAboutGames.com provide a resource for this information along with the Games Rating Authority’s additional information in easy to find video guides. The best way to play games with your family is to play them together. Look for games that will appeal to the different ages of your children, as well as titles you’d like to play yourself. Lego video games are popular with multiplayer modes that let the family play together. Skylanders is another good choice that combines toys and video-game interactions. Minecraft on Xbox is a good match for families as they can play together on the console, PC and tablet device. LittleBigPlanet and Tricky Towers are great creative and collaborative family games on PlayStation 4. Of course Mario games on the 3DS, Wii U and upcoming Nintendo Switch will top many lists this year too. Tablet and smartphone games are popular too with, Steamworld Heist and Alphabear both providing a fun challenge. So remember, ratings are there to help parents make informed choices when choosing games, and ensure families get more out of the games they play together. Andy Robertson – Family Gaming Expert www.youtube.com/familygamertv

Survival Christmas

Putting the ‘vent’ in Advent Unedited Scenes from the Advent frontline...

HAPPY CHRISTMAS By Katie Kirby form her blog HURRAH FOR GIN hurrahforgin.com

PRIZE DRAW! WIN one of five signed copies of Hurrah For Gin! With thanks to Katie Kirby, we have 5 signed copies of her book, Hurrah for Gin to give away. Hurrah for Gin is not a how-toguide. It won’t tell you how to get your baby to sleep, how to deal with toddler tantrums, how to be a good parent, a cool parent or even a renegade parent. It is a book about parenting that contains absolutely no useful advice whatsoever. Instead it shares brilliantly honest anecdotes and illustrations from the parenting frontline. Giving birth, sleep deprivation, the frustrations of feeding, “hellidays”, hangovers with kids and the joys of mixing kids with the general public are all covered. Katie captures each story with hilarious accuracy that will universally resonate with parents and make you laugh a lot.

For your chance to win a signed copy of Hurrah for Gin, simply enter online at www.family247.net/hfg by 30th January 2017 No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 5 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 15th February 2017. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Hodder & Stoughton or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Hodder & Stoughton and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

Katie Kirby lives in Brighton and is mum to two young sons. She started writing Hurrah for Gin in 2013 while on maternity leave from her job as a digital marketer. Three years on and the site attracts hundreds of thousands of views per month and has received over 5 million views since its launch in 2013. Katie currently has 277,000 hugely engaged fans on facebook – an audience which is growing rapidly. hurrahforgin.com

Perfect for families to enjoy together!

Survival Christmas

Stocking Thrillers! This Christmas, why not fire your children’s imagination with books that will make them laugh, think and… bake? You may think there are too many books to choose from, so we have teamed up with Waterstones’ experts to find the must-have titles that can transport children to amazing new worlds – just hope they are back in time for turkey dinner!

PICTURE BOOKS Oi Dog! Kes & Claire Gray and Jim Field

CHILDREN ALL AGES Nadiya’s Bake Me a Story: Fifteen Stories and Recipes for Children Nadiya Hussain; Illustrated by Clair Rossiter Food glorious food! Join ‘Great British Bake Off’ winner Nadiya Hussain for scrumptious stories and delicious bakes that all the family can enjoy. A unique combination of storybook and cookbook, Bake Me a Story brings families into the kitchen to spend time together sharing stories and cooking. You can try yummy butterbean patties and, while they are in the oven, enjoy the story of Jack and the Bean-Patty Stalk, or, bake some pumpkin and spice flapjacks, then curl up with the tale of Cinderella and her pumpkins. Never have story-telling and baking created such a delicious recipe! Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group ISBN: 9781444933277

The hilarious sequel to the bestselling Oi Frog! will have children rolling around with laughter. Frog’s had enough, he’s the changing the status quo! Cat insists that there are rules - only mules sit on stools, hares should sit on chairs and however irritating, dogs MUST sit on frogs. ‘Well, I’m changing the rules,’ said the frog. ‘From now on, dogs sit on logs, not frogs!’ And everyone else is going to have to sit somewhere else too. Will Cat want to sit on gnats instead of cushy mats? Will spiders like sitting on gliders? Will whales be happy to sit on nails? And, most importantly, where is FROG going to sit? Publisher: Hachette Children’s Group, ISBN: 9781444919592

There’s a Snake in My School! David Walliams; Illustrated by Tony Ross From the bestselling picture book duo, David Walliams and Tony Ross, comes this spectacularly funny adventure of mischief and mayhem for children aged three and over. Miranda loves to be different, and on Bring-your-pet-to-school Day she introduces everyone to her very different pet... Penelope the snake. Miss Bloat the headmistress doesn’t think snakes should be allowed in school, but Penelope has other ideas... Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers ISBN: 9780008172701

Zog And The Flying Doctors Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Sheffler Zog is back! Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are at their sparkling best in this fabulously original sequel to the bestselling Zog. Meet the Flying Doctors: Princess Pearl, Sir Gadabout and, of course, their trusty ‘air ambulance’, Zog the dragon, as they fly around the country, tending to anyone – or anything – who needs their help, including a sunburnt mermaid, a distressed unicorn, and even a sneezy lion. Publisher: Scholastic ISBN: 9781407164953

The Tale of Kitty in Boots

Three Little Monkeys

Beatrix Potter, Illustrated by Quentin Blake Meet Kitty-in-Boots! A new original tale by Beatrix Potter, illustrated by the world-renowned Quentin Blake. Shortlisted for the Waterstones Book of the Year 2016. When Miss Kitty sneaks out to go hunting in her beautiful boots, she gets into all sorts of trouble and it’s double trouble when she runs into Mr Tod – the foxiest hunter of them all. This entertaining tale is filled with mistaken identities, devious villains and even an appearance from Beatrix Potter’s most famous creation, Peter Rabbit. Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Quentin Blake, Illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark (Hardback) A remarkable collaboration - that brings together giants of the picture book world - to create a funny, anarchic and utterly delightful picture book. A classic of the future. Hilda Snibbs had three little monkeys. Their names were Tim and Sam and Lulu. They were very lively... Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers ISBN: 9780008164478

ISBN: 9780241247594

CHILDREN’S 5-8 FICTION The Midnight Gang David Walliams; Illustrated By Tony Ross Midnight is the time when all children are fast asleep, except of course for... the Midnight Gang – because that is when their adventures are just beginning! When Tom gets hit on the head by a cricket ball, he finds himself at Lord Funt Hospital, and is greeted by a terrifying-looking porter. Things go from bad to worse when he meets the wicked matron in charge of the children’s ward... But Tom and his friends are about to embark on the most thrilling journey of friendship and magic! Comedy legend and writer extraordinaire David Walliams continues to delight children of all ages, and now everyone wants to be a member of The Midnight Gang! Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers ISBN: 9780008164614

Ottoline and The Purple Fox Chris Riddell Ottoline is back in a new adventure from Children’s Laureate, Chris Riddell. Ottoline and Mr Munroe love puzzles, clues and mysteries. One day, they meet an enigmatic purple fox, who offers to take them on a night-time urban safari. The fox shows them all the hidden animals of the city and Ottoline makes notes on them in her field notebook. Mr Munroe is making notes too - on the anonymous poems he finds on their journey. Who is the secretive poet, and how can he and Ottoline help them mend their broken heart? Includes a free fold-up-and-keep fortune teller! Publisher: Pan Macmillan, ISBN: 9781447277927

Double Down (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Book 11) Jeff Kinney (Hardback) The pressure’s really piling up on Greg Heffley. His mum says video games are turning his brain to mush, so she wants her son to put down the controller and explore his ‘creative side’. As if that’s not scary enough, Halloween’s just around the corner and Greg faces all sorts of frights. When he discovers a bag of gummy worms, it sparks an idea. Can he get his mum off his back by making a movie... and will he become rich and famous in the process, or get into even more trouble? Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd, ISBN: 9780141373010

The Christmasaurus Tom Fletcher Forget everything you thought you knew about the North Pole, and set off on a Christmas Eve adventure with a boy named William Trundle. He is joined by an elf named Snozzletrump, Santa Claus (yes! The real Santa Claus!), a nasty piece of work called the Hunter, and a most unusual dinosaur... Lose yourself in this magical and moving story about friendship, family, singing elves, sleigh bells and, of course, Santa Claus. Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd, ISBN: 9780141373324

The Royal Rabbits Of London – Santa Montefiore Simon Sebag Montefiore With good luck, a moist carrot, a wet nose and a slice of mad courage – anything is possible! Shylo has always been the runt of the litter, the weakest and quietest of all his family. But when he stumbles across a band of ratzis and overhears their evil plan to take a photo of the Queen in her nightie, it’s up to this unlikely hero to travel to London and tell the Royal Rabbits of London about the diabolical plot! It’s a story that proves even the smallest rabbit can be the biggest hero. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd, ISBN: 9781471157868

CHILDREN 9-12 FICTION Tom Gates: Dogzombies Rule (For Now) Liz Pichon Tom Gates has an excellent plan to make DogZombies the best band in the whole wide world, and course it involves annoying his sister Delia (always fun). But first he must write more songs (not about teachers), make a spectacular music video (easy) and get some sleep (tricky when you’re being kept awake by loud noises). Will Tom succeed…? Will his sister be annoyed? Publisher: Scholastic ISBN: 9781407171340

Clover Moon Jacqueline Wilson; Illustrated by Nick Sharratt Clover Moon’s best escape from a life of hardship in poverty-stricken Victorian London is her imagination. But when tragedy plunges her into a world of grief, everything Clover loved about her home disappears. However, the heroine hears of a place she could run to - where will she find the courage, and the chance, to break free. And could leaving her family be just what she needs to find a place that really feels like home? Publisher: Random House Children’s Publishers UK ISBN: 9780857532732

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay J.k. Rowling For fans of Harry Potter, a new magical realm is about to be unveiled. Because before Harry Potter, there was another. Before Harry Potter there was Newt Scamander… New York in the 1920s is the backdrop for Rowling’s breath-taking new film. It’s a dazzling world of smoke-filled jazz clubs, swing dance, champagne, glamour and bright lights. Into this golden new world comes Newt, a British wizard expelled from Hogwarts. He is in exile, alone with a suitcase that holds a secret… Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group ISBN: 9781408708989

WIN A COPY OF BAKE ME A STORY! We’re giving 10 lucky readers the chance to win a copy of Nadiya Hussain’s Bake Me A Story: an irresistible blend of storybook and cookbook, set to bring parents and children together into the kitchen this Christmas!

For your chance to win simply enter online at: www.family247.net/nadiya by 30th January 2017 No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first 10 names drawn at random. The winners will be notified no later than 7th February 2017. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, Hachette Children’s Group or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from Hachette Children’s Group and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

The Fox and The Ghost King Micheal Morpurgo A delightful tale of victory against all odds. “Every fox in the whole town, in the whole country just about, is a football fan... and we all have an impossible dream.” In a cosy den under a garden shed lives a family of foxes. They love to watch football - all foxes do. But their favourite team keeps losing, and it seems like things will never look up. That is, until Daddy Fox finds the ghost of a king, buried underneath a car park. A king who wishes only to be free. “Release me,” says the Ghost King, “and I can do anything. Just tell me your greatest wish.” For these football-loving foxes, might everything be about to change...? Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN: 9780008215774

Adventures Of Dog Man: Dog Man Dav Pilkey New from the creators of Captain Underpants, it’s Dog Man, the crime-biting canine who is part dog, part man, but all cop! George and Harold have created a new hero who digs into deception, claws after crooks, and rolls over robbers. When Greg the police dog and his cop companion are injured on the job, life-saving surgery changes the course of history, and Dog Man is born. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. But can he resist the call of the wild to answer the call of duty? Publisher: Scholastic US, ISBN: 9780545581608

For more information visit www.waterstones.com Waterstones is the UK and Eire’s leading high street bookseller with 280 shops. Waterstones is the only national specialist book retailer of scale in the UK, with the average sized shop carrying a range of around 30,000 individual books and with over 200,000 titles in the largest shop.

Illustrations ÂŠ Jim Field 2016

COOKERY BOOKS Jamie’s Christmas Cookbook

Survival Christmas Rick Stein’s Long Weekends

Jamie Oliver Jamie Oliver’s Christmas Cookbook is packed with all the classics you need for the big day and beyond, as well as loads of delicious recipes for edible gifts, party food and new ways to love those leftovers. It’s everything you need for the best Christmas ever. Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Simple

Rick Stein

Diana Henry

Cadiz, Palermo, Copenhagen and more . . . Rick Stein goes in search of good food in fabulous locations, and all of them just a quick hop, skip and a jump from the UK. Publisher: Ebury Publishing

No-one is better than Diana Henry at turning the everyday into something special. Here is a superb collection of recipes that you can rustle up with absolutely no fuss, but which will knock your socks off with their flavour.

ISBN: 9781785940927

Publisher: Octopus Publishing Group ISBN: 9781845338978

Books for FAMILY & FRIENDS

ISBN: 9780718183653

LIFESTYLE The Book Of Hygge Louisa Thomsen Brits

Bloom

Pretty Iconic: A Personal Look at

the Beauty Products That Changed the World (Hardback)

Estee Lalonde

The most beautiful guide to the Danish custom of hygge, the everyday life philosophy for better living. This beautiful little book will help you to find hygge and embrace it every day. Make a pot of coffee, relax in your favourite chair and discover for yourself how life is better with hygge.

‘ What makes you happy? What makes you you? What defines your style? In Bloom, Estee Lalonde shares the moments, people and things that have made her who she is today. Features: Life; People; Work; Beauty; Fashion; Home; Travel; and, Food.

Over 200 iconic products that are among the best and most influential in the beauty world – past, present and future. Pretty Iconic is a treasure trove of knowledge from Britain’s most trusted beauty writer.

Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN: 9781785034466

ISBN: 9781785033650

ISBN: 9780008194536

FICTION/CRIME Rather Be The Devil

Bridget Jones's Baby

Nutshell

Ian Rankin (Hardback)

Helen Fielding (Hardback)

Rather be the Devil is the 21st Rebus thriller. This special Waterstones Edition of Rather be the Devil contains an exclusive short story – Cafferty’s Day – detailing events of the novel’s terrible events from the perspective of Rebus’s nemesis.

In this gloriously funny, touching story of babydeadline panic, maternal bliss, and social, professional, technological, culinary and childbirth chaos, Bridget Jones – global phenomenon and the world’s favourite singleton – is back with a bump.

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

ISBN: 9781409159407

ISBN: 9781911214564

Sali Hughes

Ian Mcewan (Hardback) Told from a perspective unlike any other, Nutshell is a classic tale of murder and deceit from one of the world’s master storytellers. Publisher: Vintage Publishing ISBN: 9781911214335

With thanks to the team at Waterstones For more information visit www.waterstones.com

Waterstones is the UK and Eire’s leading high street bookseller with 280 shops. Waterstones is the only national specialist book retailer of scale in the UK, with the average sized shop carrying a range of around 30,000 individual books and with over 200,000 titles in the largest shop.

Survival Health

Smart Gadget Habits Santa is set to deliver a sack load of hi tech gifts again this year as gadgets and screens continue to dominate children’s Christmas lists

ast year parents spent an average of £225 on gadgets alone for their children, according to a survey by uSwitch, with video games, tablets, consoles and smartphones the most popular gifts. But with a third of children expected to spend more time on their new screens and gadgets than with their families on Christmas Day, how can we stop screen time from spoiling the family festive fun? The amount of recreational screen time children enjoy is an issue of growing concern to health experts, child psychologists, teachers and parents who fear that too much passive screen time – not only at Christmas but throughout the year – impacts on their children’s mental and physical health, development of social skills and their chances of academic success. Less active lifestyles are also thought to be contributing to rising childhood obesity rates. While there are no recommended guidelines here in the UK for screen time, health

experts agree that many children spend too much time in front of screens and too little time on physical activity and interacting with the real world. Public Health England has warned that too much screen time is causing increasing psychological problems, such as depression and anxiety and headteachers add that young people are arriving at school tired and unable to concentrate because almost half of children check their mobile phones at night for “fear of missing out” on something. However, our children are part of a digital generation, growing up surrounded by technology and the internet. This can provide an excellent environment for children to learn to be creative, research and explore the world around us and socialise with friends. Unlike our own childhoods, laptops, tablets and smartphones are now a normal and key part of growing up and connecting with friends. Teaching children good habits from an early age

so that they find a healthier balance between screen time and interacting with the real world and being more active may be the key. Two mums in Kent think they have the answer. Gail Isted and Vanessa Brown launched KidzCoins screen time trading and reward coins earlier this year and have already received the

backing of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health and eminent TV psychologist Dr Arthur Cassidy. Their brightly coloured screen time trading tokens, which have been featured on BBC Radio 5 Live, are proving popular with parents across Britain as well as the United States and Norway! Gail explained: “After talking to lots of parents it became obvious that many families share the same frustration about the impact of too much screen time on their children’s health and family life in general. We created KidzCoins as a simple, fun but primarily positive solution to the problem. Rather than just

taking screens away from children, the coins give the children some responsibility for thinking about the time they spend on screens and how best to manage their time.” Vanessa told us how they work. “Parents agree a quota of screen time with their child and give them the equivalent time tokens. It’s then up to the child to manage those coins and if they run out of coins, they run out of screen time. It’s simple but extremely effective and the children quickly learn to manage their time better and to really think about how they spend their time. It’s an important life skill and it’s a very positive way of teaching children to manage their time and the importance of pursuing other activities away from screens too.” Gail and Vanessa think that by teaching children to take some responsibility in this way, future problems may be avoided. Pyschologist Dr Arthur Cassidy agrees. “KidzCoins have the potential to shape children’s social behaviours and ultimately teach them how to avoid obsessive and negative behaviours. This learning mechanism has the added value in helping kids understand their own moral and social development in taking responsibility for their behaviour and understanding the negative consequences.”

❝

Rather than just taking screens away from children, the coins give the children some responsibility for thinking about the time they spend on screens and how best to manage their time. The colourful and positive nature of the reward system also helps, according to Dr Cassidy. Professor Russell Viner from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has also backed the idea. He said: “The development of KidzCoins is a fantastic idea which allows parents to hand over some responsibility to children themselves, teaching them the importance of time management as well as the need to live a balanced lifestyle.” So, while Santa might be stuffing sacks with screens and gadgets this Christmas, he might also think about filling stockings with screen time coins too.

KidzCoins are available from www.kidzcoins.co.uk or from Amazon and eBay.

Survival Christmas

Ten top tips for a

PRE-CHRISTMAS CLEAN! Dr. Beckmann’s top tips to get your house sparkling ahead of the festive season

ith all of the parties, cooking and shopping, Christmas is busy enough without having to do a big clean around the house. But if you’re planning on hosting the in-laws, it has to be done. Getting your house back to it’s sparkling best might seem like a daunting task, but it needn’t be if you follow some basic steps. If you plan, prepare and stock up on the right products, you’ll be sitting down relaxing with a glass of mulled wine in no time at all. So to make the big clean easier than ever, take a look at this guide from UK cleaning expert Dr. Beckmann.

1) Assess the mess Firstly, identify what is in need of a good scrub. By investigating your house to find out what needs cleaning, it will help you prepare in advance. Go around each room with a pen, paper and clipboard and note down everything that needs some TLC. By assessing the mess, you’ll also know which cleaning products you’ll need.

2) Make a list Not only will writing a list help you see exactly what needs doing, but it helps you work systematically and focus on one thing at a time. When writing your list, begin by targeting tasks you’ll have to do in every room, for example windows, carpets and curtains. Categorising what needs cleaning will make sure nothing is missed, and by working through a list you will get that satisfying feeling of making progress.

3) Date in the Diary Cleaning can be time-consuming, especially if you want to do a good job. But by the time the New Year has rolled in, money is tighter and we are all feeling those January Blues. This is the perfect time to set aside a whole day or even a weekend to give your home some TLC after the Christmas festivities. You’ll need to tidy up first, so make sure you allow time for this. And remember, some appliances can take up to 24 hours to clean. Scheduling a clean-up is the perfect excuse to

A D V E R TO R I A L

tidy the house and even de-clutter. You don’t want to be tripping over clothes or objects, or even committing a cleaning sin by sweeping around them!

4) Gear up While a bad workman may be allowed to blame their tools, the same does not apply to cleaning. Make sure you have all the proper products at your disposal before you start. No two stains are the same and, as such, they should be treated accordingly. When cleaning surfaces or furniture that is stained or dirty, make sure you source bespoke products to make them look as good as new. It might seem like it’s a time consuming and costly approach, but it’s well worth it if you want to do it right.

5) Get help The most efficient way to tackle a clean up is teamwork. Get the family involved by assigning roles for each member. Kids are more than capable of operating a vacuum cleaner, dusting the windowsills and shelves, and even helping to de-clutter. Not only will everyone have contributed and feel great once the house is looking spotless, but it will also save plenty of time.

6) Brush to a beat Be sure to blare out a killer housework playlist to make cleaning seem like less of a chore. Who wouldn’t rather slow dance with their mop around their kitchen floor? Our favourite tunes to tidy to are “Whistle While Your Work”, “Working 9 to 5” or anything from Mary Poppins. Be warned, though, you may actually extend time spent cleaning if participants are particularly talented at X Factorstyle vacuum singing!

7) Seek expert advice To make sure you do the best job possible, look for specific cleaning tips to help you out – especially if you’re unsure of what product to use. Not only is YouTube awash with how-to videos, but the Dr. Beckmann Stain Devils App offers handy top tips for stain removal – it’s free to download from the App Store and Google Play Store.

8) Work systematically When you tackle the big clean up, we suggest moving from task to task instead of room to room. That way you don’t have to switch between products or equipment so you’ll clean quicker. We’d recommend beginning with the hardest and most time consuming tasks, and work towards the quickest and easiest. Mentally, it makes the whole process less of a drag as the most daunting chores will be out of the way first.

9) Don’t forget appliances We suggest cleaning appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers every month. They are often overlooked but no big clean is complete without doing them – Dr. Beckmann’s Service-it Washing Machine Cleaner will make sure the machine is rid of bacteria and working at its optimum.

10) Keep on top of it Once the worst is out of the way and your house is spick and span, it may sound simple but set up a cleaning rota to be completed on a daily basis throughout the festive period. This way, the responsibility can be shared between the whole family and you can all enjoy the good times together.

✓ ✓

For further information about the Dr Beckmann product range visit www.dr-beckmann.co.uk

✓

ownload the NEW Stain Devils App for fast, D effective stain relief from Dr. Beckmann. Available at Google Play Store and the App Store.

F or a quick and easy scientific solution to your household stains visit Dr Beckmann’s Stain Clinic at www.dr-beckmann.co.uk/how-to-remove-stains

Survival Shopping GAMES

Titanfall 2

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

PS4, Xbox One

Pilot and Titan unite as never before in Respawn Entertainment’s highly anticipated Titanfall® 2. Featuring a single player campaign that explores the unique bond between man and machine, and backed by a deeper multiplayer experience, Titanfall 2 delivers fast-paced action brimming with inventive twists.

Experience Infinite Warfare in three unique game modes: Campaign returns to the gritty, large-scale war roots of the franchise. Multiplayer delivers the future of warfare, with many new gameplay innovations. Zombies mode takes players on a wild ride through a new storyline with unique gameplay features and mechanics.

FIFA 17 PS4, Xbox One Complete innovation in the way players think and move, physically interact with opponents, and execute in attack puts you in complete control of every moment on the pitch. Experience Life in the Premier League – for the first time ever in FIFA, live your story on and off the pitch as the Premier League’s next rising star, Alex Hunter. Experience brand new worlds in FIFA 17, all while navigating your way through the emotional highs and lows of The Journey.

Let us Entertain You With thanks to our friends at hmv, here is a small selection of their top picks this Christmas in film, gaming and audio. Check in store or online for latest prices and much, much more

Battlefield 1 PS4, Xbox One Experience the dawn of all-out war only in Battlefield™ 1. Fight your way through epic battles ranging from tight urban combat in a besieged French city to the heavily defended mountain forts in the Italian Alps or frantic combats in the deserts of Arabia. Discover a world at war through an adventure-filled campaign, or join in epic multiplayer battles with up to 64 players. Fight as infantry, lead horse charges or take control of amazing vehicles on land, air and sea, from tanks and biplanes to the gigantic Behemoths.

MUSIC – CD EDITIONS

Nobody But Me by Michael Bublé

Long Live the Angels by Emeli Sandé

The Heavy Entertainment Show by Robbie Williams

AUDIO TECHNOLOGY Beats EP Headphones – available in black, white, red or blue Beats EP on-ear headphones deliver masterfully tuned sound. Their lightweight frame is reinforced with stainless steel, an ideal introduction to Beats for any music lover.

House Of Marley Get Together Blue Hemp Bluetooth Speaker *hmv Exclusive Wirelessly stream music with the Get Together™ Bluetooth® portable audio system. The built-in rechargeable battery, Bluetooth, and convenient 3.5mm input make it simple and easy to connect hundreds of devices and fire up your tunes whenever and wherever you need them. The exclusive REWIND™ fabric cover and natural bamboo front and back panels are beautiful and sustainable.

Goodmans Ealing Turntable – available in black or cream *hmv Exclusive Enjoy the look and sound of vinyl with the compact, portable and stylish Ealing turntable. Finished with classic looks and authentic detailing, it both looks and sounds the part.

hmv Exclusive Ion Max Dark Wood USB Turntable *hmv Exclusive Dark Wood colour. Plays 3 speeds – 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records. Convert vinyl to digital files via USB. Convert from other audio sources, like a cassette player, using the 1/8-inch auxiliary input. Built-in stereo speakers. Aux input and RCA Audio out. Mains powered.

FILM Finding Dory

* all titles available in DVD & BLU-RAY TM

Pixar animated adventure sequel featuring the voice talents of Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks. Six months after the events of ‘Finding Nemo’ (2003) the forgetful Pacific regal blue tang fish Dory (DeGeneres) unexpectedly remembers something about her childhood which leads her on a journey to find her family, accompanied by clownfish Marlin (Brooks) and his son Nemo (Hayden Rolence).

The Secret Life of Pets This animated family adventure centres around a menagerie of animals living in the same building in New York, whose blissful existence comes under threat when a villainous bunny rabbit named Snowball begins to amass an army of strays and abandoned pets, with the intention of mounting a revenge-fuelled attack on the animals lucky enough to be living the good life.

Suicide Squad *out 5th December

The BFG

Will Smith, Jared Leto and Margot Robbie star in this action film following DC Comics supervillains who are transformed into a team of anti-heroes. Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) heads up a secret government agency for which she forms the Suicide Squad – a group of unlikely heros made up of imprisoned criminals.

Steven Spielberg directs this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s novel starring Mark Rylance as the Big Friendly Giant. The film follows Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) as she is whisked away from her orphanage by the BFG and taken to Giant Country where she is immediately at risk of being eaten by the other, larger giants, including Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) and Bloodbottler (Bill Hader).

hmv is a leading specialist retailer of music, film, games and technology products, with over 120 stores around the UK, offering a wide selection of new release and catalogue titles.

F e st iv e K it c h e n

Food, Glorious

FOOD

Christmas is a time for family and friends, love and compassion, giving and receiving - and, of course, food, glorious food. Here, we have everything you need to make sure the foody run up to Christmas Day is not only seasonably sumptuous, but hasslefree, and that come the big day, no one leaves your festive dinner table unsatisfied

e have story-inspired recipes for the kids from BBC Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, handy money-saving tips and what to do with leftovers – as well as the chance to win a selection of Pyrex cookware. It is all perfectly designed so that you, the Christmas chef, can enjoy your Christmas Day as much as we know your ravenous guests will. Compliments to the chef!

BE A CLEVER COOK THIS CHRISTMAS To ensure a hassle-free Christmas day, follow these simple guidelines. Plan ahead and you'll enjoy the big day with family and friends, without spending too much time in the kitchen.

2-6 Weeks before Christmas

✓ I f you’re using a fresh turkey, order it from your butcher at least four to six weeks before Christmas to ensure you get the weight you want. If you’re ordering a large turkey (more than 20lbs), make sure you check the dimensions of your oven beforehand.

✓ D ecide on menus for throughout the Christmas holiday. ake shopping lists for fresh fruit, vegetables ✓M and dairy goods – then check your oils, herbs and spices for the chosen recipes.

✓ I f you’re using a frozen turkey, check out the prices and, if space allows, buy and store in freezer.

1 Week before Christmas

✓ C heck the thawing time of your frozen turkey and make a note of when to take it out of the freezer to thaw.

✓ D ecide which stuffing to make and buy the ingredients.

4 Days before Christmas

✓ B uy the potatoes and other root vegetables, making sure you store them in a cool place.

✓ I f your frozen turkey is more than 8.1kg (18lbs), start thawing it now.

2-3 Days before Christmas

✓ C ollect your fresh turkey and keep it covered in the fridge, storing the giblets separately.

✓ F inish that last bit of ingredients shopping to see you through the Christmas holiday.

✓ I f you’re using a small frozen turkey, now is the time to buy if you haven’t already, and then start to thaw it two days before Christmas Day. Once thawed, store the bird in the fridge and do not stuff it until just before cooking.

Christmas Eve

hen the turkey is thawed so that no ice ✓W crystals remain in the cavity, remove from its bag and reserve the giblets.

✓ P repare everything you need for the stuffing and calculate the cooking time. Then cover loosely and leave in the fridge overnight at a temperature of no more than 4°C.

✓ Y ou can then make some stock from the turkey giblets – cover it and store in the fridge.

Christmas Day 09.00: Preheat the oven for turkey (190°C (fan 180°C) / 375°F / gas mark 5). Place the stuffing into the neck cavity – you should never stuff the body cavity with pre-prepared stuffing. However, the body cavity may be stuffed with fresh herbs, a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable only, if desired. 09.30: Place the turkey in the oven, allowing 20 minutes per kg + 90 minutes (or if the bird is under 4kg calculate 20 minutes per kg + 70 minutes). 10.00: Prepare vegetables (if not prepared the night before) and cover loosely. 12.45: Wrap bacon round the turkey crown, cook and keep warm (optional). You can turn back the foil on the turkey and baste it, and now’s the time to make gravy and keep it warm. 13.00: Take out the turkey, cover it and leave it to rest, before turning up the oven up to crisp potatoes. Cook the vegetables, drain and keep warm. Make sure you have a warm serving plate. 14.00: Finally, place the turkey and vegetables on serving platters, garnish and serve with sauces to your salivating guests. In the heat of the Christmas kitchen, cooking one of the most important meals of the day adds stress to what can be an already hectic morning. But to prevent chefs getting into a turkey flap, the British Turkey Information Service is on hand to help, and you can get in touch in more ways than one. Freephone British Turkey Helpline – 0800 783 9994. Open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday up until Christmas Eve. For more information, Live Chat, Text service and much more visit www.britishturkey.co.uk

WISE WORDS One way of being making your money stretch this Christmas is by not overdoing it on food. Here, Helen White, from Love Food Hate Waste, tells how:

We need a cunning plan Do people really want sprouts? Because if no one’s going to enjoy them, then you’re going to have a mountain of sprouts going mouldy in the fridge come January. Make an old-fashioned shopping list, but steer clear of shopping on auto-pilot, buying festive foods because it’s traditional – think about what didn’t get eaten last year, and don’t buy it this year. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure you’re not chucking away your hard-earned cash on unwanted food and drink. You could also try using a meal planner to cannily plan your Christmas meals.

Save the date My five-year-old son will be counting down to Christmas with the help of his chocolate-filled advent calendar. If he can keep an eye on the passing days, so can you. There may be no chocolate involved, but there’s a date that really matters at this time of year, the “use by” date. The use by date is there for your safety, meaning food should not be eaten past this date, but it can be eaten or frozen right up to the last moment. If the use by is looming and you simply can’t face any more festive fayre: wrap it, label it and freeze it.

Free up your freezer In the run-up to Christmas, try eating a few times a week from the freezer. This way:

✓ y ou’ll save a bit of money, which we all know comes in handy around this time of year,

✓ y ou’ll save time if you don’t have to cook from scratch each night,

✓ i f you fancy heading out for a mulled wine (or two!) after work, then the frozen meal can wait happily until you’re ready, which reduces the risk of a planned meal ending up the bin, and

✓ y ou’ll also free up some space, as things are likely to get busy in there! Love Food Hate Waste provides oodles of practical advice, and by reducing food waste you could save up to £60 a month – just think what you could do with that next Christmas! Visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

ALTERNATIVE FESTIVE FEASTS Not everyone likes turkey, so it is a good idea to have alternatives up your sleeve. For example, although fish is traditionally eaten on Christmas Eve, a lovely dish to serve on the day itself is a papillote of seafood – luxurious shellfish with herbs and lemon juice, baked in a sealed foil parcel so it cooks in its own juices. Parcel up the fish ahead of time, and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to cook up a treat with a difference. Or, have you got a vegetarian or vegan coming to dinner? Why not welcome them to the table with a meat-free Wellington that you can make ahead of time, such as BBC Good Food’s squash and beetroot option http://www. bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/beetroot-squashwellingtons-kale-pesto, or veggie restaurant chain Mildreds’ truffled mushroom treat http:// mildredsrecipes.blogspot.co.uk/2010/12/ vegan-christmas-recipe-truffled_19.html.

How many?! Do you know how many guests are coming to dinner? If you’re worried about the possibility of unexpected guests, cook once and eat twice – so you can whip out that emergency spag bol from the freezer! If you’re cooking for a few more people than you’re used to, the Love Food Hate Waste portion planner might also come in handy.

F e st iv e K it c h e n

Baking with Nadiya After all this running around getting set for Christmas, you and your kids deserve a rewarding drink and tasty treat. Baking something scrumptious together is a great way to bond, keep them entertained and will give you something to enjoy as a family afterwards. As well as a much-earned rest! Here are two fabulous recipes from Nadiya Hussain’s new book Bake Me a Story: NotJust-Ginger Gingerbread Guy and the Cardamom and Malt Hot Chocolate ‘Magic in a Mug’ are a perfect way to unwind together after a tough afternoon of festive shopping!

Nadiya’s Bake Me a Story is out now in hardback from Hodder Children’s Books. Don’t miss your chance to win a copy of Bake Me a Story on page 18

Star Anise Gingerbread Men Makes about 30

Method

Ingredients

❶ Place the caster sugar, honey, orange juice, vanilla

 175g golden caster sugar  6 tbsp clear runny honey  1 tbsp orange juice  1 tsp vanilla extract  2 tbsp ground ginger  1 tbsp ground star anise (You will need a spice grinder for the star anise, or you can swap it for the same quantity of ground nutmeg)  200g unsalted butter  450g plain flour, sifted, plus extra for dusting  1 tsp bicarbonate of soda  ¼ tsp salt  Writing icing tubes, for decoration

extract, ginger and star anise in a pan over a medium heat and stir until all the sugar has dissolved.

❷ R emove from the heat and add the butter. Stir until it has melted, then set aside and leave to cool. nce cool, add the flour, bicarbonate of soda ❸O and salt, and bring the dough together. Wrap the dough in cling film and chill for at least 2 hours.

❹ L ine two baking sheets with greaseproof paper. ❺ R emove the dough from the fridge, unwrap it and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 0.5cm. Cut out shapes with a gingerbread-man cutter – a 7.5cm cutter will make around 30 biscuits.

❻ G ather off-cuts and re-roll the dough as necessary. ❼ Place the gingerbread men on the lined baking

❽ T ransfer the sheets from the freezer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until golden around the edges and paler in the centre.

❾ R emove from the oven and leave to cool on the sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Have fun decorating your gingerbread men with icing!

sheets and transfer to the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up. Preheat the oven to 180°C fan/gas mark 6.

Cardamom and Malt Hot Chocolate Ingredients  2 tbsp cocoa powder  2 tbsp malt powder  2 tbsp runny honey  1 tsp ground cardamom  500ml whole milk  100ml single cream  Small marshmallows 1 00g white chocolate, melted

Makes 2 large mugs Method

❶ C ombine the cocoa, malt, honey and ground cardamom in a small saucepan. Add 6 tablespoons of water to the pan and mix everything together to form a paste.

❷ P lace the pan over a low heat, letting it warm through gently, then add the milk and cream, increase the heat and bring to the boil, stirring continuously. As soon as the liquid bubbles, remove from the heat.

❸ P our the hot chocolate into cups, top with marshmallows and drizzle with the melted white chocolate. Let the drink cool a bit before you enjoy it!

Food photography by Joe Woodhouse

F e st iv e K it c h e n

The Future is FROZEN Frozen food can offer a range of benefits that can be the key to having a fantastic Christmas with all the family Frozen is family friendly The festive period is time to be spent with the family but more often than not you’re stuck in the kitchen preparing and making food. Food preparation can really eat into valuable time, with all the peeling of veg, mixing of stuffing and carving of turkeys that has to be done. So whether you’re cooking from scratch or getting a helping hand, the frozen food aisle has an ever expanding array of delicious, affordable products to help you make the most of your Christmas. Whether it’s using base ingredients like pre-prepared frozen veg, herbs and spices to construct your own dish, or buying foods such as mini salmon wellingtons, crackling pork leg joints and cheese soufflés. With all these fantastic products now available from the frozen aisle, offering high quality ingredients has never been so easy and can allow you to get out of the kitchen and enjoy Christmas, whilst still treating the whole family.

Financial benefits of frozen During the festive season family budgets can become stretched, so being able to cut costs can be vital. Research has shown that families can save more than £400 per year simply by switching to frozen. This extra money saved can help to ease financial concerns and ensure that families are still provided with high quality, nutritious food. As well as offering great value for money, frozen food can also help families to cut down

their food bills further by reducing food waste. Frozen food can be stored for several months without losing any of its goodness and can stop uneaten food from being thrown away each week. The average person spends nearly £40 per month on food that ends up in the bin, so by purchasing more frozen food this figure can be significantly reduced. In addition, frozen ingredients can be bought pre-portioned, allowing for portions to be easily managed and food waste kept to a minimum. Items such as fruit and vegetables, herbs, fish and meat can be easily separated and cooked-up, with any unused food being placed back in the freezer to use next time.

Great nutrition As well as its significant financial benefits, frozen food can also offer exceptional nutritional value and flavour. Freezing is one of the oldest forms of food preservation techniques and can help to seal in freshness and lock in all those nutrients, ensuring no goodness is lost on its way from being frozen to making it into your shopping trolley. This is backed up by nutritional analysis research which demonstrates that there is no significant nutritional difference between frozen and fresh alternatives and that frozen food is as effective as fresh in providing family nutrition*. Also, because freezing is a natural preservative it means that frozen products do not contain artificial preservatives found in some fresh and ambient products. For more information on frozen food, more tips on how to defrost your freezer and appetising recipes please visit www.coolcookery.co.uk * Research from Centre for Food Innovation at Sheffield Hallam University 2012

F e st iv e K it c h e n

The Ultimate Kitchenware

for festive cooking from Pyrex At Christmas time the kitchen always becomes a hub of activity to cook, share and enjoy festive feasts. With more than 100 years of experience in creating quality kitchenware, Pyrex is your perfect partner this season.

Smoked Salmon Bites Indulging in home baking is the top of everyone’s list at Christmas. Pyrex Asimetria metal bakeware is an ideal collection to keep by your side. With comfortable grip handles, non-stick qualities and variety of shapes to choose from, you can be confident to offer a delicious spread.

YULETIDE TREATS

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Serving: 6 Ingredients  250g of smoked salmon  3 large eggs  50ml of soy milk  250g of pumpkin  Salt & pepper

Method

❶ Clean, peel and cut the pumpkin into cubes. Place them in a saucepan of boiling water for 15 minutes.

❷ Mix the pumpkin with the eggs in a Pyrex bowl. Add the milk, salt and pepper and mix again.

❹ P our the mix in the Pyrex Asimetria novelty tray. ❺ P ut into the oven, preheated at 180°C, for 20 minutes.

❻ S erve hot with a side of rocket salad.

❸ Line the bottom and the sides of the Pyrex Asimetria novelty tray with smoked salmon (no need to grease the mould before).

PYREX PRIZE DRAW! Win this fantastic set of Pyrex cookware worth £100! This incredible prize comprises; 1 x Optimum Rectangular Roaster, 1 x Optimum Square Roaster, 1 x Classic Non-Stick Metal Rectangular Roaster, 1 x Classic Non-Stick Metal Loaf Pan, 1 x Classic Non-Stick Metal 12 Cup Muffin Tray, 3 x Cook & Store Rectangle dish with Lid, and 1 x Bowl with lid.

For your chance to win simply enter online at: www.family247.net/pyrex by 30th January 2017 No purchase necessary. The winners will be the first name drawn at random. The winner will be notified no later than 15th February 2017. The judges’ decision will be final and the competition is not open to employees of LincolnBrody, International Cookware or their agents. By entering into the competition you agree to receive future marketing and promotional information from International Cookware and Lincolnbrody. If you do not wish to receive future information please indicate this on your entry. Please refer to the full terms and conditions at www.lincolnbrody.co.uk/competitions

Enjoy!

A D V E R TO R I A L

Roasted Vegetables with Maple and Sesame Seeds Stuffing, vegetables and Yorkshire puddings are essential for the main feast. The Pyrex Red Impressions range of ceramic dishes are perfect for serving those merry side dishes from your oven and straight on to your table. The vintage style range comes in a variety of colours (red, blue and white) and is suitable for use in the oven, microwave and dishwasher. Preparation time: 10 minutes

FESTIVE TRIMMINGS

Cooking time: 40-45 minutes Serves 4-6 Ingredients  2 large parsnips, peeled  250g Chantenay carrots

Method

❶ Preheat the oven to Gas 6, 200˚C. ❷ Cut the parsnips and sweet potato into large chunks and keep the carrots whole (unless large, then cut in half). Place into the Pyrex dish with the oil drizzled over and cook in the oven for 30 minutes.

 1 large sweet potato, peeled  1-2 tbsp vegetable oil  1-2 tbsp maple syrup  1 tbsp sesame seeds

maple syrup and sesame seeds and continue cooking for a further 10 minutes until lightly browned and tender. TIP: The maple syrup adds a lovely flavour to the vegetables but if you haven’t got any it can be substituted with honey.

❸ Turn the vegetables over, drizzle over the

Enjoy!

Christmas Leftovers Casserole When the roast has been demolished, you need a way to keep your guests fed without spending all of your time in the kitchen. One easy answer is the Pyrex cast iron Slow Cook collection, which is available in varying shapes and sizes to suit your needs. From melt in your mouth stews to spicy chillies or curries that add a hot option to your party buffet, the options are endless. Serves 6-8 Ingredients  2 tbsp olive oil  2 onions, chopped  1 tsp dried sage

Method

 2 tbsp plain flour

❶ P reheat the oven to 190˚C/170˚C fan/

 300ml chicken stock

gas mark 5. Heat the oil in the Pyrex

 2 tbsp wholegrain mustard

Slow Cook 24cm Round Casserole over

 500g leftover turkey, torn

a medium heat. Cook the onions for five

 500g leftover roast potatoes, quartered

minutes until softened. Stir in the sage

 300g leftover roast vegetables, chopped

and flour until the onions are well coated.

 80g crème fraîche  300g leftover stuffing

❷ G radually stir in the chicken stock and mustard until incorporated.

LAZY BOXING DAY ❸ R emove from the heat and stir in the leftover turkey, potatoes, vegetables and crème fraîche until combined.

❹ T op with the leftover stuffing and spread to an even layer.

❺ C over with the lid and bake for 40 minutes until heated through. Enjoy!

Christmas is a time for giving, for spending time with loved ones… and for eating lots and lots of cheese! Whether it’s the main attraction at a party or the culmination of Christmas dinner, here’s how to produce your cheeseboard with a festive flourish – and some mouth-watering ideas for any leftovers that’ll make you jingle all the ‘whey’!

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CHEESE!

Choose your cheese Everyone has their favourite cheeses, and three to five varieties on your Christmas cheeseboard is about right – any more will overwhelm the palate. You should offer your guests a hard cheese, such as Cheddar, Red Leicester, Cheshire, or Double Gloucester, a soft or creamy cheese such as Brie, Camembert or Vacherin, a blue cheese such as Blue Shropshire or Danish Blue, and a goats’ cheese, such as Chevre or Beacon Blue. To make your cheeseboard really stand out, you could also include a continental cheese, such as Parmesan or Edam, and you’ll need to allow around 100g of cheese altogether per person. A crumbly, creamy Stilton is the classic cheese to enjoy at Christmas, and you don’t need to spend a fortune, as most supermarkets do good versions. The best way to store Stilton if you’re buying a lot is to wrap it loosely in waxed paper and cover it with cling film, before refrigerating. You can freeze Stilton – by cutting it into small pieces and placing it into a freezer bag – but it may have lost some of its strong flavour when thawed, so it’s then better used in a sauce. A delicious festive touch is to include a cheese with dried fruit, such as a Wensleydale with cranberries. This tends to dry out quickly once it’s opened, but leftovers can be crumbled (and frozen if necessary) to make a tasty stuffing for chicken breasts (read on for more ideas of how to use up leftover cheese.)

Make your festive cheeseboard a real showstopper with our expert guide

Above: Wensleydale Crimson from Long Clawson Dairy

FIND DAVIDSTOW AT THE CHEESE COUNTER OR WITH THE PRE-PACKED CHEESES

F e st iv e K it c h e n All above board Get the cheeses, still in their wrappings, out of the fridge at least an hour before serving to bring them to room temperature and allow the flavours to develop. Just before serving remove all the wrapping, but keep rinds on, so that the cheese keeps its shape and looks attractive. Cheeseboards are most often made of wood or marble. Wooden boards make the cheese easier to cut, whereas marble may be a better choice for a party cheeseboard, as it will help the cheese to keep cool and not melt in a hot room. Whichever you choose, make sure your board is big enough to allow each cheese room to breathe, and to be cut comfortably, and that you have a separate knife for each cheese, so you don’t mix up the flavours. Again, presentation is a matter of personal taste. You can either keep things minimalist – even a simple ‘wreath’ of biscuits ringed around your cheeses looks Christmassy - or you could go to town by serving with exotic fruits, like halved pomegranates or persimmons, which are in season, and available at many supermarkets.

Taking the biscuit… and other bits on the side In general, blue cheeses go best with a slightly sweet biscuit, soft cheeses with a crisp, light cracker. Figs, grapes, apples and celery partner perfectly with cheese, and pickled walnuts are a traditional Christmas accompaniment. If you’ve got a glut of homegrown fruit or veg, home-made chutney impresses, and is easy to make, although there’s a wealth of delicious shop-bought options available – perhaps mellow caramelised onion, sharp rhubarb, fruity apple, or fresh tomato. To drink, semi-hard, hard, and aged cheeses, like Gouda or Cheddar go well with red wines such as a Shiraz or a Pinot Noir, while Chardonnay, or a good quality sparkling white is a wonderful match for creamy cheeses like Camembert or Brie. And, of course, there’s always good old vintage or tawny Port, the traditional Christmas accompaniment to cheese. But try not to over-indulge to the point where you forget to wrap up your cheese

Applewood

Above: Blue Shropshire from Long Clawson Dairy Right: Macaroni cheese makes a great a budget-friendly meal. when you’ve finished eating! It’s best wrapped in wax paper, followed by a layer of plastic wrap. It won’t like to sit about in the fridge for too long, as it’ll dry out. You can freeze cheese successfully (grate it beforehand if you like) but it will be crumbly when thawed, so it’s ideal for cooking.

Grate expectations: inventive ideas for cheesy leftovers. It’s always good to have things in mind to use up leftover cheese. ✓ Mix with shredded turkey to make quesadillas for a quick light lunch: try turkey, Brie and rocket with red pepper pesto, or roasted vegetables with goats’ cheese.

✓ Hard cheeses can be melted into a deli-

✓ Make a three-cheese sauce by adding a

✓ Macaroni cheese is a budget-friendly staple

pinch of mustard powder to a basic white sauce, then remove from the heat and add a couple of tablespoons each of three different grated cheeses.

Applewood® is the UK’s No.1 Smoky Cheddar Cheese. Made in the heart of Somerset, Applewood® boasts a delicate smoky flavour and a lovely smooth texture, finished with a handdusting of paprika for good measure. Applewood® has been awarded Best Vegetarian Cheese for the last three years, voted for by consumers! Available in a number of formats from Tesco. RRP £1.75

cious, decadent fondue. Swiss Gruyere and Emmental are the classic ingredients, but Vacherin and Comte also work well. If you’re entertaining child-free, you could slosh in some leftover champers! after the Christmas blow-out, and you can add any leftover ham or gammon. Make an extra batch for the freezer to look forward to on a cold winter night.

❝

Get the cheeses, still in their wrappings, out of the fridge at least an hour before serving to bring them to room temperature and allow the flavours to develop.

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CHEESE

Tesco finest* offer a superb range of cheese selection boxes that would be a welcomed guest to a cracking festive cheese board, or as a delicious gift under any Christmas tree. Here are two of our favourites: Tesco finest* Selection of Award Winning British Cheeses (720g) A superior selection of the finest* British cheeses, combined to offer a gift solution or simply for home entertaining.

Red Leicester – A creamy cheese with a zesty tang. Hand-made at the Belton Farm in Shropshire, using traditional methods and typically matured for 10 months. St. Endellion Brie – A luxurious, Cornish Brie, hand-made with Cornish double cream to create a rich and creamy soft cheese. The milk and cream, supplied by local farms, are combined with specially selected cultures to provide a traditional ripening style of Brie. As the cheese ripens, the texture softens and matures into the characteristic golden creamy paste. The result is a deliciously creamy and full-bodied soft cheese, with a wonderful character and complexity of flavour, which is tangy and deliciously rich. Mature Blue Stilton – Made by master cheesemakers for more than 100 years, this cheese is aged for longer to create a creamier texture that is more mellow and balanced in flavour. It is made in Leicestershire using local cows’ milk and protected by a PDO. Each Stilton cheese is individually graded and handselected to be sure of the finest quality.

Traditional Double Gloucester – With its smooth and buttery texture, this rich, golden straw coloured cheese offers a creamy, mellow flavour. It is hand-made using traditional methods at Belton Farm in Shropshire. Vintage Cheddar – A full-flavoured cheese with fruity and pepper notes, handmade in the West Country at Ford Farm on the Ashley Chase Estate. This cheese is made from milk gathered from herds within a strict 30-mile radius of the farm. It is made by the expert team of cheesemakers who use traditional methods and recipes. Somerset Goat’s Cheese – A cheese with a clean and creamy taste that is distinctive of fresh goat’s curd, with a firm and crumbly core giving way to a creamy outer layer covered in a delicate velvety soft white coat. It ripens from the outside towards the centre. When young, it is mild and crumbly, as it matures the white curd becomes softer and creamier and develops a fuller flavour. For more than 20 years, master cheesemakers have been carefully crafting this Somerset Goat’s Cheese at The Lubborn Creamery in the beautiful valley of Cricket St Thomas.

The Tesco finest* Christmas Cheese Selection The Tesco finest* Christmas Cheese Selection offers three delicious, carefully selected handmade cheese varieties. Coastal Bite (280g) – A rugged, mature cheddar cheese, aged for up to 15 months on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast and with an intensely rich, mature flavour. Look out for a characteristic crunch when you bite into it – the result of calcium lactate crystals which form naturally as the cheese matures.

Wensleydale with Cranberries and Blueberries (200g) – A sweet, mild Wensleydale, hand-made to a traditional recipe, combined with the sharpness of tangy cranberries and fresh, juicy blueberries. Cave Aged Goat’s Cheese (100g) – A deliciously subtle, clean flavoured cheese that is firm in texture – similar to a cheddar. Each 100g goat’s cheese truckle is aged deep within the Dorset Caves which further enhances its flavour, adding a unique, earthy and nutty dimension. Each cheese in the Tesco finest* Christmas Cheese Selection is encased in a shiny black wax coating which will not only stand out on the festive cheeseboard, but will preserve the flavour and freshness of each individual variety. Losing yourself in the heady heaven of flavours and aromas when wandering down the cheese aisle at Christmas can be a welcome problem to the cheese connoisseur although some of us might be overwhelmed by so many tasty options. Fret not, these selection boxes offer a fine introduction to the wonderful world of this festive favourite. Cheese is such a versatile ingredient – be it sat on a cracker, enjoyed on its own or in any of our inventive recipe ideas starting on page 39….. Enjoy! For more information about cheese available at Tesco visit realfood.tesco.com/our-food/ a-guide-to-cheese.html *Products are subject to availability in selected stores

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A CHEDDAR LOVER’S Guide Getting the best from the best Cheddar is by far and away the nation’s most loved cheese – perfect for everything from a Sunday evening round of cheese on toast to topping a Wednesday night lasagne. But do you know your mature from your vintage? Here’s a few hints, tips and facts from our cheese experts to help you get the best from your favourite fridge staple. Where does it come from? Somerset is the original home of Cheddar. The County is renowned for its lush pastures, perfect for grazing dairy cows. It’s this which makes the milk rich and creamy, which is exactly what you need for Cheddar making. All our finest* Cheddar comes from the heart of the Somerset countryside ensuring that we make the most of the perfect environment for cheddar-making and also centuries of family cheddar-making know-how.

What is the difference between mature, extra mature and vintage? Mature is a rich and creamy flavoured Cheddar. Its consistency is smooth which makes it perfect for grating and slicing and also is a hit with smaller children who can find the other maturity levels a bit too strong for little taste buds. Extra Mature is matured for longer than mature and so it’s flavour is slightly stronger and its texture crumblier. It’s a perfect all-rounder as it grates well but also is perfect as the main event. It’s more powerful flavour but versatility makes it a hit with families. Vintage Cheddar is the strongest of the three. Much crumblier in texture and more powerful in taste. A good Vintage should have a crunch to it as well. Perfect as the centre piece of a cheeseboard or as the main event in a sandwich topped with a sweet or spicy chutney.

How should I eat Cheddar? Cheddar should be eaten at room temperature for all its flavours and aromas to be at their best. So if you’re using it on a cheeseboard this Christmas make sure you take it out of the fridge a little bit before you need it.

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A D V E R TO R I A L

How to make Cheddar look great on a cheeseboard Always cut the block at an angle so that you can lay one halfway along the other and really show off the true texture of the cheese.

Can you freeze Cheddar? Yes, and it’s a great way to reduce food waste. Even though Cheddar is best enjoyed at room temperature on a cheeseboard, if you grate the cheddar prior to freezing it, it’s perfect for topping pizzas and pasta bakes straight from the freezer for quick and easy weekday meals.

What makes our finest* Cheddar selection so special? All of our finest* Cheddar is made by the Clothier family, they have been farming and cheesemaking in Somerset for over 150 years. They use a secret recipe handed down through the generations to craft their Cheddar and every batch of Tesco finest* Cheddar is monitored and graded by their Master Cheese grader whose nose is insured for over £5 million pounds. From animal welfare to the ingredients used, only the finest will do when it comes to our finest* range, and our Cheddars are no exception. To some, just an everyday staple, for us, a craft and flavour to be treasured and savoured as a true British classic.

Pick up our finest* Mature, Extra Mature and Vintage Cheddar in store today

Cheddar Scones

with Cranberry & Cinnamon The kitchen on Christmas day can be manic from dawn until dusk. We’ve created these Cheddar, Cranberry & Cinnamon Scones, perfect for a quick and easy Christmas morning breakfast or evening snack, so that one meal at least can be prepared in advance and still taste great. They’re also perfect for freezing, so a great item to have on-hand for those unexpected relatives popping round.

Makes 8 scones Ingredients

Method

 225g Plain White Flour

❶ Heat oven to 200c/180c fan. Mix

 80g Tesco finest* Extra Mature Cheddar, grated. Plus extra to sprinkle.  20g Caster Sugar  70g Butter (very cold)  75g Sour Cream (light)  40g Dried Cranberries  75ml Milk

❝

Tried & Tested

These are so delicous hot or cold! A real Christmas treat to look forward to!

EDITOR – Victoria Howdle

 4tsp Baking powder  1/2tsp Ground Cinnamon

the flour, sugar, baking powder and cinnamon in a mixing bowl. With a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture and then rub together using your fingertips until it resembles coarse bread crumbs.

❷ Mix the milk, sour cream, grated Cheddar and cranberries together in a small bowl. Stir into the flour mixture with a fork until the mixture is binding together to form a dough. You may need to use and additional tbsp of milk if the dough is too crumbly.

❸ Tip the dough on to a lightly floured surface and shape into a square

roughly 22cm x 22cm (9”x9”). Fold the dough in half to make a rectangle, pat down and cut in half vertically. Then cut each half into 4 to make 8 square portions. Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with baking parchment.

❹ Mix the egg and a little milk together in a small bowl; brush the egg wash on top of each scone and sprinkle with some grated cheese.

❺ Place the baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 12/15 minutes or until gently browned. Remove to a cooling rack. Enjoy!

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Stilton Surprise Long Clawson Dairy are specialist Stilton cheesemakers based in the heart of the Vale of Belvoir in Long Clawson. Their Blue Stilton cheese has a creamy texture and rich flavour which makes it a perfect addition to any cheeseboard. But what can be done with that small left over piece that sits in the fridge at the end of the festive season? Simply crumble the cheese into some mayonnaise, add a little lemon Juice and mix together to form the perfect Stilton dip/spread. This is perfect served on crackers, in jacket potatoes, in a sandwich or, if you’re feeling really creative put a spoonful in a shot glass and serve with crudities. A simple suggestion which can look quite spectacular and can be enjoyed by Stilton lovers and novices alike as the addition of other ingredients tempers the flavour making it much milder. Why don’t you try it this Christmas?

Smoked Scamorza Mozarella – authentic Italian cheese Smoked Scamorza has a subtle, smoky flavour with a sweet, light caramel note. A semi-soft . white cheese, Scamorza has a texture that is firmer, more elastic and with less moisture than traditional Mozzarella and can be used as both an eating/board cheese and in recipes. The Smoked Scamorza flavour is achieved by a natural smoking process using beech wood and the resulting colour is dark almond with a lighter interior. Scamorza is an Italian stretched curd cheese made from pasteurised cow’s milk. Artisanal cheesemakers generally form the cheese into a round shape, and then tie a string around the mass one third of the distance from the top, and hang to dry. The

resulting shape is pear-like. Since Scamorza has excellent melting qualities, it is often used to flavour baking dishes, for griddling or topped with prosciutto for extra zest. Scamorza can be used as a substitute for Mozzarella in cooking as it imparts more interest in the recipe. The smoky flavour of Scamorza pairs well with oak-aged Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio or Orvieto. Ingredients

Try this simple recipe as an introduction to the joys of Smoked Scamorza – when melted its smoky taste truly comes to the fore! Method

❶ Rub sliced ciabatta with a garlic

 Tesco finest* Smoked Scamorza Mozzarella

 Garlic Clove

 Ciabatta

 Balsamic Vinegar

❷ Griddle the bread untill it has nicely

 Cherry Tomatoes

 Sea Salt and Black Pepper

❸ Grate or chunk Smoked Scamorza

 Parma Ham

 Olive Oil

clove and a little olive oil. charred grill marks. over the slices. Top with cherry tomatoes and place under the grill until the cheese is bubbling and tomatoes softening.

❹ Finish with a slice of Parma ham, a little sea salt, grind of black pepper and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

❝

Tried & Tested

The amazing smoky flavour of the Scamorza really enhanced the taste of the Parma ham and cherry tomatoes. A match made in heaven!

EDITOR – Victoria Howdle

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Do you fancy a perfect

TOASTIE? Edam is an excellent cheese to use for your toastie due to its great melting characteristics. Edam doesn’t go crumbly or turn oily when melted and the flavour is greatly enhanced by the melting process. It’s not surprising that Edam was once the most popular cheese in the world! Edam cheese is instantly recognizable thanks to its red wax and cannonball shape. It has been produced at the same location for well over 100 years according to a traditional recipe from 1898. A key part of Edam’s popularity is its versatility. It can be sliced, grated, baked or melted in toasties and sandwiches or used in your cold and hot meals. Combined with the subtle flavour Edam complements a range of ingredients, helping busy cooks to plan an assortment of affordable meals to keep families full and delighted from breakfast to dinner. The firm, yet creamy texture offers lots of ideas for entertaining friends and family. Edam also adds its own ‘seal of approval’ so consumers know they are eating the genuine product.

F e st iv e K it c h e n Did you know, when melting your Edam:

✓ Edam doesn’t turn oily. ✓ Edam doesn’t crumble. ✓ Flavour is greatly enhanced. FUN facts! ● Edam is liked in over 80 countries around the world. ● The red color of the wax used to come from the juice of poppy roses.

Ever wondered how to make other fabulous toasties? Or baked potatoes with Edam? Visit edam.co.uk for more inspiration, recipe suggestions and information.

Convince yourself: try Edam for FREE at Tesco! Visit edam.co.uk to learn more on how to get your money back.

A delicious festive twist to your toastie! Over the holidays, try this great recipe to make your favorite toastie even more special during those cold winter months. Ingredients

Method

 2 teaspoons cranberry sauce

❶ In small bowl, mix cranberry sauce and

 2 teaspoons French mustard  25g of butter at room temperature  2 slices wholemeal bread  50g grated Edam, or 2 slices  1 slice of turkey breast, or chicken if Turkey isn’t available  A handful of fresh baby spinach leaves

mustard, put this to one side

❷ Heat large frying pan over medium heat, with no oil.

❸ Spread one side of each bread slice with butter.

❺ Top with half the grated, or 1 slice, then add the slice of turkey and spinach. Top with the remainder of the Edam and bread slice, butter-side up.

❻ Turn sandwiches once until bread is golden and cheese is melted.

❹ Place 1 slice of the bread butterside down in pan and spread with cranberry and mustard mixture.

Why don’t you try it this Christmas?

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F e st iv e K it c h e n

Parmigiano Reggiano – the king of Italian cheeses

Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan is a nutritious cheese with a rich, fruity flavour. Parmesan is superb over many fresh pasta dishes although more and more cheese lovers are using it as an eating cheese like they do in Italy. So why not break some Parmesan into bite size chunks and add them to your festive cheese board along with a small dipping dish containing balsamic vinegar? Dip the parmesan into the balsamic vinegar and eat – simply gorgeous! And for the main event, how about Brussel Sprouts and Parmigiano Reggiano – add a tasty, Italian twist to this Christmas vegetable staple…. Serves 6

Method

Ingredients

❶ Mix the sprouts, 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, sea

 800g brussels sprouts – trimmed and cut in half (smaller ones can be left whole).  Olive Oil

salt and black papper together in a bowl. Tip on to a large baking tray and spread out.

❷ R oast in the oven for 10 minutes at 200ºC/gas 6. ❸ When the sprouts begin to brown at the edges

 Zest of one lemon  Black Pepper and Sea Salt  50g freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano

sprinkle over the freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano and then roast for a further 10 to 15 minutes until the Parmesan is a light golden brown. Be careful not to let them burn! Enjoy!

Tried & Tested

❝

These were so delicous that even my youngest asked for seconds! The Parmesan and lemon were a great combination that complimented the sprouts perfectly.

❝

EDITOR – Victoria Howdle

Parmigiano Reggiano DOP The King of Italian Cheese ParmigianoReggiano DOP is produced exclusively in the Italian provinces of Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena and parts of the provinces of Mantua and Bologna, on the plains, hills and mountains enclosed between the rivers Po and Reno and is still made in the same way today as when it was first produced nine centuries ago.

Tesco Parmigiano Reggiano cheese is produced by their supply partner Castelli in their dairies situated in the Provinces of Reggio Emilia and Parma, in the heart of the production area. The cheese contains only milk from the area, salt, rennet and of course – time. It takes a minimum of 12 months of care and attention as the cheese matures before it can be called Parmigiano Reggiano.

For the past 70 years, since the granting of the PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), the final inspection of the cheese is carried out by an expert from the PR Consortium with the aid of a traditional hammer and skewer. Only then can the cheese be granted its stamp of approval.

F e st iv e K it c h e n

Finest French Cheeses

perfect on a cheeseboard, sumptuous as an ingredient Chaource PDO

❶

Brie de Meaux PDO

Fondue Chaource Preheat the oven to 180oc. Cut the Chaource top rind. Pour 1 tbsp of honey on top of the Chaource paste. Add black pepper on top. Put the Chaource in a small baking tray. Bake it for 10 to 15 minutes. Put the baking tray on the table using a trivet, and spoon it on to baked potatoes or pieces of rusty bread.

❷

Brie de Meaux sauce Cut your cheese into small pieces. Warm some double cream. Add the cheese and allow it to melt, mix it until you have a smooth texture. When ready, pour it on pork chops or fillet.

❸ Comte PDO Comte loaf Preheat oven to 180°c. Grease 2 small loaf tins. Mix 200g of selfraising flour, 1 tsp thyme leaves, salt and pepper. Add 3 large eggs, 100 ml olive oil and 100 ml whole milk. Beat well. Mix 100g pitted olives, 100g sundried tomatoes and 75g grated Comte. Pour the batter into the two loaf tins, sprinkle over 25g grated Comte and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes.

❶❷ ❸ ❹ ❺

❹ Morbier PDO Morbier raclette Slice your Morbier. Prepare some boiled potatoes and cured meat. Melt the Morbier, and pour it on top of the potatoes and cured meat.

❻ ❻ Ossau Iraty PDO

Ossau Iraty muffin Preheat the oven to 180°c, and cut the Ossau-Iraty into small cubes. Melt ¼ lb of butter. In a bowl, beat 4 whole eggs and add a pinch of salt. Slowly add 2 ¼ cups of flour and then the melted butter. Mix well. Add a packet of yeast and 1/8 cup of chopped nuts. Add the cheese cubes last. Pour batter into muffin tins (fill 3/4 full) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

Abondance PDO

❺

Abondance kebab Dice some Abondance. Create a kebab of diced Abondance and cherry tomatoes, adding a pinch of black pepper.

Cheeses available in the Tesco finest* range in selected stores or online at tesco.com

Cheese & Chutney at

F e st iv e K it c h e n

Edam’s Choice – try this delicious recipe from the One and Only Edam Serves 1 toastie Ingredients

Method

 1 slice of ham

❶ Mix the cream cheese with the cream and grated

 1 tablespoon cream  2 slices Edam  2 slices of bread  2 tablespoons onion sprinkles  50g cream cheese  50g grated Edam  butter  nutmeg

Edam, in a small bowl, add some nutmeg and pepper to taste.

❷ Preheat the ovengrill to 200 degrees Celsius. ❸ Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. ❹ Heat a frying pan over medium heat, adding no oil. ❺ Place 1 slice of the bread, butter-side down, in the pan. ❻ Put 1 slice of cheese on the bread, top with the ham, the onion sprinkles and the second slice of cheese. Press them together, fry on both sides golden, take out of the pan and top with the

cream cheese-Edam mixture. Place it on a baking sheet, put the Edam’s choice under the preheated grill and let it colour golden brown.

❼ Serve with a tomato-salad. Enjoy!

Convince yourself: try Edam for FREE at Tesco! Visit edam.co.uk to learn more on how to get your money back.

Sausage Rolls –

make leftovers special Celebrate your Leftover’s Day in style and give your festive sausage rolls a delicious twist with this tasty recipe! You can have fun making them with the kids and use up that leftover sausage meat from the Christmas stuffing! Serves 8 large or 12 small

Method

Cooking time 35 mins

❶ Preheat the oven to 200C/gas 6 and grease

Ingredients  Butter or oil, for greasing  Plain flour, for dusting  320g sheet of puff pastry  350g sausage meat (see tip)  50g mild Cheddar, chopped into small cubes  1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce  1 tsp dried oregano  100g Branston Mediterranean Tomato Chutney  1 egg, beaten  Ground black pepper

and line a baking tray with baking paper. On a surface lightly dusted with flour, roll out the pastry sheet and cut in half lengthways, so you have two long strips.

❷ In a bowl, mix together the sausage meat, Cheddar, Worcestershire sauce and oregano, then season with pepper. Dust your hands with flour and then shape half of the sausage meat into a sausage-shape the length of the pastry strips.

❹ Lay it on one side of the strip, leaving a border of a pound coin’s width down one side, and repeat with the remaining sausage meat and the other strip of pastry.

❺ Drip a line of Branston Mediterranean Tomato Chutney on the side of the meat that has the

majority of the pastry and dap the border with some of the beaten egg.

❻ Fold the other side over to seal, enveloping the sausage meat, and push a pattern in to the border with the prongs of a fork, leaving the ends open. Cut each roll into in half, then half again for large sausage rolls or cut the halves into three pieces for small sausage rolls, and place on the prepared tray.

❼ Brush with the remaining beaten egg, then bake for 15 mins, until golden and sizzling. Leave to cool for 15-20 mins and then serve. TIP If you don’t have any leftover sausage meat or need more, use sausage meat from sausages by squeezing them out of their skins. Enjoy!

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finest* Garlic & Sundried Tomato Stuffed Halkidiki Olives Hand picked Halkidiki olives double stuffed with rich, sweet sundried tomato & mellow garlic.

finest* Greek Kalamata Olives Whole Peloponnese Kalamata olives in brine with Greek extra virgin olive oil. Kalamata Olives have a unique rich flavour with fruity red wine notes.

Chutneys, Olives & Antipasti at

Delicious additions to your cheeseboard, special meal occasions or festive party platter...

Serving suggestions: enjoy alongside baked finest* Camembert and crusty bread. The perfect Boxing day accompaniment in leftover turkey sandwiches.

Serving suggestions: can be enjoyed eaten as part of a starter or antipasti selection.

finest* Sweet & Intense Italian Tomato Selection Rich Perino, tangy Pomositas and sweet, slow roasted vine tomatoes. Serving suggestions: ideal on top of a salad, stirred into pasta or eaten with buffalo mozzarella.

Serving suggestions: both are perfect to be served as an aperitif with drinks, as a starter or part of a meze selection.

finest* Sweet Tomato & Bird's Eye Chilli Chutney Sweet San Marzano tomatoes with spicy flame roasted Bird’s Eye chilli, slowly cooked in open pans too bring out the rich flavours.

finest* Goats’ Cheese Stuffed Italian Cherry Peppers Ripe sweet peppers with a hint of natural warmth.

finest* British Red Onion Chutney Made with British red onions, slowly cooked in open pans with soft, brown sugar for a rich, caramelised flavour. Serving suggestions: enjoy on crackers with finest* Clawson Blue Stilton, or layer the two together in a golden tart filling. Bring richness to your Christmas gravy by stirring through a teaspoon of finest* British Red Onion Chutney.

finest* Fig Chutney with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena Our figs are cooked the traditional way with Balsamic Vinegar of Modena to allow the fruit to soften and intensify their natural, sweet and fruity flavour. Serving suggestions: enjoy topped on oatcakes with finest* Kidderton Ash Goats Cheese as the perfect party canapés. *Products are subject to availability in selected stores