Delicious UK December 2019

PORTRAIT: TREVOR LEIGHTON. PHOTOGRAPH: TOBY SCOTT As the end of the year approaches, I suspect we’re all hoping 2020 will bring greater certainty. My hope, too, is that we rediscover the joy of sharing great food while having a lively debate around the table, listening to and respecting each other’s views. It seems to me Christmas is an ideal time to reassess what’s important in life: family, the extended community, good times, looking out for others, compassion, joy… This special, glowing issue of delicious. is designed to give you all the inspiration you need for the most beautiful, best-tasting food – a glorious backdrop to your celebrations, whether you’re with many or a few, family, friends or neighbours. There are too many outstanding recipes to mention, but if you make…

Could it be time to light the candles and fairy lights? We say yes – a galaxy of them. Houses and gardens are festooned with twinkles (some with more taste than others, let’s face it), the shops are full of rosy-cheeked present-buyers (good for the high street) and everywhere you go there are snatches of cheesy Christmas music on the air, brass bands playing favourite carols and the wafting aromas of spice, warm mince pies and mulled wine… The good times are almost here and the atmosphere of promise is at its height. Turn the page for all the recipes, festive tipples and gift-buying inspiration you need this Christmas…

Christmas comes early STAR EMAIL FROM: MARIE SCULLION I really appreciate that delicious. times the publication of its issues to the seasons, but I can’t tell you how pleased I was to get ahead with the Christmas planning in the November issue. Since our mum passed away 18 months ago, we have a new tradition: having Christmas early (she would never have agreed with that). This year, it will be on Saturday 14 December. We still have the proper turkey dinner and pimp up some of the sides. Somehow, despite doing the same amount of work, it seems easier – maybe because the shops are open if anything is forgotten (unlikely with the comprehensive lists), or that our guests can get taxis home at a reasonable price. Think of me…

MOST POPULAR DESSERT IN DECEMBER 2018 ON FACEBOOK Boozy inside-out trifle cake – what will be the Christmas hit this year? 36,000 views POPULAR ON INSTAGRAM Salted caramel brownie pudding 5,432 likes MOST POPULAR ON DELICIOUSMAGAZINE.CO.UK Sausage and cider casserole with apples and sage 9,820 clicks See what other delicious. fans are talking about at facebook.com/ deliciousmagazineuk Follow us at twitter.com/ deliciousmag Follow us at instagram. com/deliciousmag Follow us on pinterest. co.uk/deliciousmaguk…

A FEW MONTHS AGO we joined forces with the Sustainable Restaurant Association to help find a winner in the People’s Favourite Restaurant category of the Food Made Good Awards. We were seeking a UK restaurant that lives up to the motto ‘food that not only tastes good but also does good’, and you nominated around 200 restaurants via deliciousmagazine.co.uk. Next, the judges, editor Karen Barnes, SRA CEO Andrew Stephen and Phil Lewis, owner of 2018 winner Dusty Knuckle Pizza, whittled down the contenders to a shortlist of five. Finally, the public voted in their thousands for their favourite. And the winner is… Yeo Valley Canteen! A big high-five to this brilliant family business. WHY DID THEY WIN? Yeo Valley Canteen was nominated for its seasonal, organic local ingredients, including veg…

THE MISSION With a degree in fine art, Becky worked as an art instructor for adults with learning and physical difficulties. She recognised that after finishing formal education, many people living with these challenges lack a sense of purpose. Becky felt moved to do something and began running an arts centre in Hertfordshire before establishing Arthouse Unlimited in Godalming, Surrey, supported by The Meath Epilepsy Charity. WHAT’S THE AIM? Arthouse Unlimited does creative workshops for people with severe epilepsy and learning and physical difficulties. The artists’ designs are used on luxury packaging for ethical products including tea and biscuit gift sets, soaps and chocolate. These are sold from a shop adjoining the studio, so the artists can see their products being appreciated. “It’s significant that we’re in a high street…