CATEGORIES

cook like a local Peru

From Amazonian fruits and coastal seafood to cacao and coffee, bountiful and biodiverse ingredients define this country’s cuisine Words and recipes

magical BAKES

Celebratory creations by Edd Kimber to keep you in the festive mood

The perfect star

Three special ways to kick off a celebratory meal

cook a classic Sweet treat

A beautifully smooth fudge to serve after dinner or give as a gift

winter warmers

Soothing slow-cooked dishes to see you through those chilly evening

PRESERVING OLD VINE HERITAGE

New legislation in Rioja is aimed at protecting the region’s old vines. But how effective will the new measures be? And does vine age make a real difference to quality in Rioja?

Whisky Christmas buying guide

The world of whiskies has exploded in recent years. Here’s our pick of the latest and best, with recommendations for those who want to give gifts (or drop hints) that go beyond the mainstream

Château Angélus

With high-profile associations including a high-grossing film franchise and various Michelin-starred restaurants, Château Angélus clearly enjoys being in the limelight. But what’s the story behind this acclaimed St-Emilion estate and its distinctive label?

Rhône's sleeping beauties

Beyond the big-name appellations in the Rhône are a number of smaller, previously dormant areas that are starting to make a name for themselves once more. In the north, Brézème and Seyssuel are shining examples to look out for

WINDS OF CHANGE

Rioja is in a state of transition – from debates around ageing and blending, to a new focus on single-vineyard sites and an increasing diversity of wines and styles. What does this mean for Rioja lovers, and how will the changes shape the future of the region?

Scandinavia A food and wine lover's guide

Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen are all major players in the gastronomy world, home to restaurants and bars offering inventive cuisine and eclectic wine menus. Our expert local guide takes you to some of their most exciting culinary treasures

Start it right APERITIFS

Nothing wrong with kicking off your meal with a simple glass of fizz – but there are many more creative options to consider. We explore the art of the aperitif with inspired ideas for your next gathering, whether a low-key lunch or an indulgent celebration

Chablis 2020

Favourable conditions meant the pressure was off for grateful producers, with an abundance of good to excellent wines. The many Chablis admirers of the world should make hay while the sun shines…

CHRISTMAS TURKEY 10 perfect pairings

The beauty of our favourite festive fowl is that it pairs well with a wide variety of wines. So do you opt for your usual choice this year, or try something different? Here’s some advice from our pairing expert, plus 10 great wine matches

A vintage celebration

Bordeaux and Burgundy are so often the instinctive first choice for the festive season main event. But which are the prime vintages (and appellations) you should be pulling from the rack this year to maximise your enjoyment on the big day?

Have your CAKE 'N' BAKES

Whip up these winter sweet treats from Bake Off champion Edd Kimber, including gluten-free and vegan bakes

Christmas Cookies

Great as a gift or just a treat, these cookies have pieces of candy cane for that extra-festive flourish

The perfect start

Whether you want a sit-down starter or just a few nibbles to hand around with drinks, these are sure to hit the mark

Party!

Go on, spoil the kids with their own party-or make some of these help-yourself dishes for any festive get-together over Christmas and New Year

Impressive mäin courses

From the classic roast turkey to a magnificent rib of beef, we have lots of choices for your festive mains this year, including vegetarian options

NICE'N CHEESY does it!

Cheesemonger Jay Hickson selects his favourite cheeses from across Europe to help you create the perfect show-off board

Pile on the POTATO!

BBC favourites The Hairy Bikers have two good old-fashioned hearty recipes on offer from their new cookbook

Quick & Delicious

Try these speedy dishes from Nadiya Hussain's new cookbook – they're just what your family will love to eat on busy weekends

Christmas sticky toffee pudding

Toffee sauce is spooned into the bottom of a basin and the sponge is full of juicy fruit in this steamed pudding that's halfway between a classic Christmas pud and sticky toffee one. It's a great way to mix up tradition.

Cocktail Fave What A Star

This sophisticated dessert, spiked with coffee liqueur and with a silky dark chocolate layer, is easy to make ahead and makes a stunning Christmas centrepiece

Tonight's special

Need a break from rich Christmas food? This fresh, zingy salad is just the ticket, plus there’s no cooking involved

DRINKS CABINET Classic cocktails

Say 'cheers' to the holidays with four special recipes from our drinks expert Miriam Nice

WINTER'S FINEST

Fruit and veg can steal the show at a Yuletide gathering, whether in a savoury squash tart or pavlova piled high with apples. Along with these recipes from Esther Clark, learn to grow chard with Emma Crawforth of BBC Gardeners’ World

PURE COMFORT:Healthy lasagne

This lighter version of a family classic has bags of flavour, but comes in at under 500 calories as well as packing in four of your five-a-day

Braised beef

Make this delicately spiced stew ahead of time for last-minute gatherings with friends