If you’re sick and tired of turkey and all the trimmings, why not be a little bit adventurous this Christmas? We’ve asked some top chefs in the UK for a selection of weird and wonderful recipes to ramp up your festivities at home. From an Iberico pork wellington with Galician chestnuts and serrano ham from Brindisa’s Monika Linton to traditional Swedish delights from the minds behind Ekstedt at The Yard, make this year’s menu one to remember. Cheddar and brown ale rarebit with cauliflower cheese and cranberry and almond crumble Recipe by: Andrew Pern and Joshua Brummell, York Minster Refectory Ingredients: 1 large cauliflower For the rarebit: 120ml Black Sheep or other brown ale 25g butter 25g plain flour 140g Fountains Gold Cheddar or other mature cheese 1 tsp English mustard 1 tbsp Hendersons relish For the crumble: 25g flaked almonds 25g Panko breadcrumbs 25g dried cranberries Method: 1. Melt the butter in a pan and stir in the flour, add the ale and whisk until smooth. On a low heat add the cheese, mustard and Hendersons relish, whisk until smooth. 2. Remove the florets of your cauliflower and blanch in boiling water for 2-3 mins or until tender. 3. Combine the flaked almonds, breadcrumbs and cranberries in a bowl. 4. Put cauliflower in an ovenproof dish and top with the rarebit and the almond and breadcrumb mix. 5. Bake at 180 degrees until golden and piping hot. Coronation crab vol-au-vent with flaked almons and sweet’n’sour raisins Recipe by: Andrew Pern and Joshua Brummell, York Minster Refectory This is a perfect festive canape and one of our signature dishes that is a nod to our Royal opening. Here is a simplified version for people to make at home and wow their guests this festive period. Ingredients: Shop bought vol-au-vent cases Picked white crab meat Gold quality mayonnaise Madras curry paste Lemon juice Chopped coriander Method: 1. Combine the curry paste with mayonnaise, lemon juice and coriander to taste. Use this to bind white crab. 2. Put crab mix into vol-au-vent cases, top with flaked almonds and raisins. Kalupol roast chicken Recipe by: Karan Gokhani, Hoppers Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1.2-1.5kg chicken, spatchcocked For the marinade: 1 tbsp basmati rice 1 tbsp grated fresh coconut 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tsp minced ginger ¾ tbsp chilli powder 3 tbsp roasted curry powder 1 lemongrass stick 8-10 curry leaves 1 tsp salt 3 tbsp vegetable oil Method: 1. To make the marinade palace the rice in a wok over a medium-high heat and toast for 4 minutes. Then add the concur and continue toasting for 10 more minutes until both the rice and coconut are deep golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. 2. Once cooled, transfer to a pestle and mortar or space grinder and pound to a fine powder. Add the remaining marinade ingredients and pound or grind to a paste. Rub the paste all over the chicken, then cover and refrigerate overnight. 3. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/400F. Place the chicken on a large roasting tray lined with foil and roast for 40 minutes, then increase the heat to 220C/200C fan/430F and cook the chicken for a further 15 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked by piercing the thickest part of the thigh with a knife. The juices should run clear, if not, return the chicken to the oven covered with foil for a further 5 minutes and check again. Once cooked, remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes, before carving and serving with any roasting juices from the tray. 4. For the ideal Sri Lankan roast, serve alongside a sambol or mallung, some curry sauce and pol rotis. Burani spice mix Recipe by: Karan Gokhani, Hoppers Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 tsp fennel seeds ½ tsp cumin seeds 4 cloves 2.5cm cinnamon stick 4 green cardamom pods 1 tbsp coriander seeds 1 whole red chilli, deseeded 1 tsp black peppercorns Method: 1. Roast all the ingredients in a dry frying pan (skillet) over a medium heat for 4 minutes. Cool completely and grind to a fine powder in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. Mutton rolls Recipe by: Karan Gokhani, Hoppers Makes: about 500g filling, enough for 10 rolls Ingredients: For the filling: 250g mutton shoulder boneless 250g potatoes, peeled and cut into 5 cm chunks 3 tbsp oil 75g onion, finely chopped 3 green cardamom pods 9cm cinnamon stick 1 tbsp minced garlic ½ tbsp minced ginger ½ tbsp chilli powder ½ tbsp roasted curry powder ½ tbsp unroasted curry powder 10-12 curry leaves, chopped ¼ tsp ground turmeric 1 tbsp tomato paste ½ tsp black peppercorns, crushed Juice of ½ lime 3 tsp salt Method: 1. Remove any sinew and skin from the mutton and chop it up roughly. Then place in a food processor and pulse for a minute, until you have a coarse mince (ground meat). If you don’t have a food processor, you can just chop it up as finely as possible to resemble mince. 2. Place the potatoes in a saucepan , cover with cold water and add 2 tsp salt. Bring to the boil and cook until tender, then drain and allow to cool slightly. Mash the potatoes roughly or break up with a fork, then set aside. You want the potatoes to be quite dry and lumpy 3. Meanwhile, place a heavy-based pan over a medium heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the onion along with cardamom pods, cinamon, and a pinch of salt, and cook until slightly softened, 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and continue to cook for a minute. 4. Increase the heat to high and add the mutton. Cook, stirring occasionally until the meat is well browned and the juices have evaporated, about 8-10 minutes. It’s essential to make sure the pan is not overcrowded, as otherwise the meat will begin to stew instead of frying. You want a thin, even layer of meat in the pan, and if your pan isn’t big enough, fry the meat in two batches. If you do so, you may need a little more oil than the recipe calls for. 5. Reduce the heat to a medium-low and add the chilli powder, curry powders, curry leaves and turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste along with 150 ml water and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and mix in the potatoes, black pepper and lime, then season to taste. Nial’s Christmas stuffing Recipe by: Karan Gokhani, Hoppers Serves: 4 as a trimming Ingredients: 200g boiling potatoes (peeled and cut into 1cm dice) 30g unsalted butter 1 tbsp oil 250g brown onions, finely chopped Pinch of salt 225g chestnut mushrooms 450g plain sausagemeat 225 breadcrumbs 15g parsley, chopped 15g sage leaves, chopped 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 tbsp Worcestershire 1½ tsp sea salt 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tsp black peppercorns 3 green cardamom pods 2 cloves Pinch of nutmeg, freshly grated Pinch of ground cinnamon Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 210C/190C fan/320F. Place the potatoes in a separate pan and cover with cold salted water (the water should taste like sea water). Bring to the boil and cook for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly and set aside. 2. Meanwhile, warm the butter and oil in a heavy-based pan and add the onions. Sprinkle over a pinch of salt, mix well and then cook over a medium heat for 15-20 minutes until beautifully caramelised. Then transfer them to a bowl and add the mushrooms to the pan, with a splash of extra oil if the pan seems dry. Cook until reduced to a third in size and golden in colour, about 10 minutes, then transfer to the bowl with the onions. Finally mix the cooled onions and mushrooms, sausagemeat, potatoes, breadcrumbs, parsely, sage, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and salt. 3. Place the cumin and coriander seeds, black peppercorns, cardamom and cloves in a dry drying pan skillet) over a high heat. Toast for 2 minutes until fragrant, then allow to cool slightly and transfer to a pestle and mortar. Grind to a powder along with the nutmeg and cinnamon and add to the rest of the stuffing ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly, then roll into 5cm (2in-) diameter balls and place onto a greased baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes until golden and fully cooked through. 4. Serve alongside a traditional roast chicken, duck, goose or turkey. 14 carat hummus Recipe by: Eran Tibi, Bala Baya/Kapara Serves: 8 hungry people (with generous leftovers for fuelling your Boxing Day adventures) Ingredients: For the hummus: 375g chickpeas, cooked and drained 750g peeled carrots, roasted to tender perfection 250g tahini 100g olive oil Juice of half a lemon 10g (about 1 tsp) salt For the preserved lemon (a nifty shortcut): 50g water 5 lemons, peeled with zest julienned 25g (about 2 tbsp) Maldon salt For the carrot jam: 100g sugar 25g (about 2 tbsp) Maldon salt 125g maple syrup 7 small carrots, finely diced 67.5g harissa paste 50g olive oil 250ml orange juice For the garnish: Freshly chopped coriander Method: For the hummus: 1. Start by roasting your peeled carrots. Toss them with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then pop them in the oven at 200C (392F) for 20 minutes until they’re beautifully tender. 2. Once those vibrant orange gems have cooled, blend them with chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Blitz away until your hummus is silky smooth. 3. Season your creation with a touch more lemon and a pinch of salt if needed. This hummus should taste like a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your taste buds. For the preserved lemon (a nifty shortcut): 1. For a zesty twist, we’ve got a clever shortcut for preserved lemon. Julienne – fancy word for thin strips – the lemon peel and juice all those juicy lemons. 2. In a pan, combine water, a sprinkle of Maldon salt, lemon juice, and zest. Bring this lively concoction to a gentle simmer and let it dance for 20 minutes. 3. Once the lemony magic is done, set it aside. It’s the secret touch that elevates your hummus. For the carrot jam: 1. Time to craft our unforgettable carrot jam. Dice those little orange heroes into ½cm pieces. 2. In a pan, throw in sugar, a pinch of Maldon salt, maple syrup, diced carrots, harissa, olive oil, and a splash of orange juice. 3. Let the jam come to life by reducing it slowly until it reaches a jammy consistency (about 50% reduction). Drop a bit on a cold surface to check consistency – it should be thick, like a sweet and spicy embrace. 4. Once it’s reached jam-like perfection, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. To assemble: 1. Now comes the fun part! Lay out your “14 carat hummus” on a platter or individual plates making well-like whole in the middle for the rest. 2. Drizzle that fabulous preserved lemon all over, creating a burst of zesty excitement. 3. Spoon on that exquisite carrot jam. It’s like the jewel on the crown of your hummus empire. 4. Sprinkle the whole affair with freshly chopped coriander. It’s the final flourish that takes your hummus to dazzling heights. Chocolate and amarena Christmas log Recipe by: Cyril Lignac, Bar des Pres Prep time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 7 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: For the chocolate rolled biscuit: 3 organic whole eggs 4 organic egg whites 2 organic egg yolks 85g + 135g caster sugar 85g flour 50g cocoa powder Butter for the plate For the mascarpone whipped cream: 125g mascarpone 25cl of very cold 35% full fat liquid cream 65g caster sugar 1 vanilla pod For the decor: 3 tbsp cherry jam 2 tbsp tablespoon amarena cherry in syrup 40g dark chocolate shavings Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 210C. 2. In a salad bowl, whisk the egg whites with 85g of sugar so that they form a bird’s beak. Then in a second bowl, beat the yolks with the whole eggs and the 135g of ribbon sugar, add the flour and the cocoa powder with a spatula. Gently mix the two devices together. Pour into a buttered silicone-rimmed baking sheet or onto a silicone sheet placed on a baking sheet. Spread lightly to even out the biscuit using an angled spatula. Bake for 7 minutes. 3. At the end of cooking, gently unmold the biscuit upside down on a damp cloth, trim the edges to obtain a neat rectangle, roll in the cloth and leave to cool. 4. Split the vanilla pod in half and collect the vanilla pulp, place it in a ramekin. Use the pod to make vanilla sugar, for example. In a very cold salad bowl, pour the mascarpone, beat it lightly using a hand mixer, pour the very cold liquid cream, continue to whip and pour the sugar with the vanilla pulp, whipped cream. Set aside one half in a bowl and the other half in a plastic bag fitted with a size 10 plain nozzle. Chill for 1 hour. 5. Coat the biscuit with cherry jam, then with mascarpone whipped cream, add a few amarena cherries. Roll the biscuit without crushing it and place it in the dish. 6. On the log, place the rest of the mascarpone whipped cream using your pocket and make lines on top. Sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings and add 4 amarena cherries. Reserve the log in the fridge. Iberico wellington Recipe by: Monika Linton, Brindisa An alternative Christmas centrepiece dish or just a delicious dinner party recipe. Spain’s famous ibérico acorn-fed pork, with Galician chestnuts and serrano ham. Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 40 mins Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 Brindisa Ibérico pork tenderloin (450g) 6 slices Brindisa serrano ham 75g Brindisa Galician cooked chestnuts 100g mushrooms ½ tbsp chopped rosemary 2 tbsp sherry wine 320g ready-rolled puff pastry 1 tbsp Brindisa extra virgin olive oil 1 egg, beaten Salt and pepper to season Method: 1. To make the mushroom and chestnut duxelle: in a food processor, using the pulse function, blitz the mushrooms until they are the size of a grain of rice, then place them into a bowl. Repeat with the chestnuts then mix them with the mushrooms. 2. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, add the mushrooms and chestnuts, along with the rosemary and the sherry wine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the wine has evaporated and the mixture has softened (10min approx). Reserve and leave the duxelle to cool. 3. Season the tenderloin and sear in a hot frying pan or on a griddle. Leave to cool. 4. When all the ingredients are at room temperature, lay the slices of ham in a sheet of cling film. Add a layer of the duxelle and then place the tenderloin on top. Wrap the tenderloin tightly with the help of the cling film. Let it rest in the fridge for at least a couple of hours. 5. Pre-heat the oven to 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6. Unroll the pastry onto a baking sheet. Trim a 2cm strip off one long side and reserve. 6. Place the ham-wrapped tenderloin in the centre (having removed the cling film). Brush the edges of the pastry with beaten egg then fold the pastry to completely encase the tenderloin. 7. Use the reserved pastry to cut shapes to decorate the Wellington, then brush with the remaining egg. 8. Bake for 30 minutes. 9. Leave to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to serve. Little tip: This recipe lends itself to advance preparation, perfect when entertaining. The whole Wellington can be made the day before, ready to bake for minimum stress! Sobrasada roast potatoes Recipe by: Brindisa in collaboration with Sophie Rushton-Smith These flavour packed roast potatoes can be served with a traditional Sunday roast or are delicious paired with a big salad or as a side. Prep time: 5 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes Serves: 3-4 Ingredients: 4-6 large Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and quartered Brindisa Arbequina Olive Oil 1 sprig of Rosemary Brindisa Mallorquín Mild Sobrasada Method: 1. Chop the potatoes into quarters and parboil them in a large pan of salted water for 15-20 minutes. 2. Once the potatoes are softened, drain them and give them a good shake in the colander to ruffle the edges up. 3. Add the potatoes to a large frying pan on a hot heat. Add to the pan olive oil, a big sprig of rosemary and chunks of sobrasada. 4. Cook the potatoes for around 20 minutes, turning them over at regular intervals so that each side is golden and crispy. Spanish cauliflower cheese Recipe by: Monika Linton, Brindisa A Spanish twist on a popular family classic. Prep time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes Serves: 4 as a side 2 as a main with salad and crusty bread Ingredients: 500ml full fat milk 1 small onion 1 clove Bay leaf 1 large or 2 small heads of cauliflower 2 tbsp Brindisa Arbequina extra virgin olive oil 60g butter 25g plain flour 100g Brindisa Mahón cheese, grated plus extra for topping 50g Brindisa Galmesan cheese, grated plus extra for topping Nutmeg, grated Salt and pepper 50g panko breadcrumbs 2 tsp Brindisa Mallorcan unsmoked mild paprika 2 tbsp Brindisa capers Method: 1. Heat the milk with an onion studded with clove and the bay leaf and then leave to infuse for 15 mins. 2. Slice the cauliflower into 1 inch “steaks”. Lay out on a greaseproof paper covered baking tray. Brush with olive oil and roast at 200C, 180C fan, gas mark 6 for 20 mins, turning halfway and brushing the other side. They should have a nice touch of char. 3. Whilst they cook, melt the butter in a pan over a low to medium heat and then stir in the flour, stirring and cooking for a couple of minutes. 4. Remove the onion and bay leaf from the milk and gradually add to the butter and flour, whisking constantly until you have a smooth sauce. Then leave to simmer on the lowest heat for 5 mins until thickened, stirring from time to time. 5. Add the grated cheeses (reserving the extra for the topping), nutmeg and salt and pepper to taste. 6. Transfer the cauliflower to a roasting dish and pour over the cheese sauce. Top with the remaining grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Put back in the oven for 10 minutes until the cheese has browned/or put under the grill. Finally dust with the paprika and sprinkle over the capers. Trout rillettes Recipe by: Skye Gyngell, Spring and Heckfield Place Ingredients: 350g fresh trout fillet, skin removed 175g butter Bay leaf 1 leek finely chopped 1 tbsp of Pernod 100ml white wine 150g smoked trout 4 tbsp creme fraiche Zest of 1 lemon Salt and pepper ½ cup clarified butter Dill to garnish Method: 1. Season the trout with salt and pepper. Heat two tablespoons of butter and sweat the leek for 10 mins until very soft, do not let the leek change in colour it must remain on a low heat. 2. Add trout and bay leaf, Pernod and wine. Cover with a lid or piece of parchment and cook for 2-3 mins over super low heat. The trout should be just cooked through. 3. Remove the fish and strain the liquid into a small pot. 4. Reduce liquid to two tbspn. Keep stirring to prevent the liquid from burning on the sides of the pan. 5. Flake the cooked trout with the smoked trout – then add creme fraiche, wine reduction, lemon zest and remaining butter (softened) mix together with a fork. Season with salt and pepper and serve. 6. It will keep well in the fridge for 2 days. Marmalade glazed ham Recipe by: Skye Gyngell, Spring and Heckfield Place Ingredients: 1 leg of ham 5 carrots 4 leeks 10 juniper berries 15 peppercorns 5 fresh bay leaves Whole Cloves 5 tbsp marmalade (or any other good-quality jam or strong marmalade) 4 tbsp Dijon mustard (or grainy, if you prefer) Method: 1. Place the ham in a bucket, cover with cold water and leave to soak for 24 hours. This is done to take the saltiness out of it. Remove the ham and then place it in a deep stockpot. 2. Roughly chop the carrots, celery and leeks and add them to the pot. Then add the juniper berries, peppercorns and bay leaves. Cover with cold water and bring to the boil. This can take up to one and a half hours. Turn down to a gentle simmer and cook for a further two hours. For the glaze: 2 tbsp marmalade 3 tbsp soft brown sugar, such as muscovado Finely grated zest and juice of one orange 150ml/5oz white wine A handful of cloves 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or grainy, if you prefer) – for serving Method: 1. To make the glaze, simply mix the marmalade, sugar, orange juice and zest and wine together until you have a loose paste. 2. Remove the skin from the cooked ham, leaving as much fat on as possible, score it evenly all over, and stud each diamond shape with a clove. Using a pastry brush, brush half the glaze evenly over the outside of the ham. Place in a baking tray on the middle shelf of the oven. Roast for 10 minutes then brush the rest of the glaze on top. Cook for 20 minutes or until sticky, golden brown and slightly set. 3. Serve with grainy mustard or chutney. Skye likes to serve this with dauphinoise potatoes and pickled red cabbage. Chicken-liver pâté Serves: 2 Ingredients: 500g/1lb chicken livers 200ml/7fl oz milk 200g/7oz unsalted butter 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, very finely chopped A small bunch of thyme, leaves only 2 fresh bay leaves 100ml/3 fl oz Cognac A generous grinding of black pepper Top tip: It is important to use the freshest chicken livers. Look for those pale in colour, as their flavour is mellower and sweeter. Method: 1. Soak the chicken livers in milk for two hours, then discard the milk. 2. Add four tablespoons of butter to a pan and place over a medium heat. Once the butter has melted and just begun to foam, add the onion and cook until soft and transparent – about 5 minutes. Now add the garlic, thyme and bay, and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add the chicken livers and cook for 2-3 minutes: the livers should be brown on the inside and still pink in the middle. Add the Cognac, turn up the heat a little and cook until just slightly reduced. Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaves. Allow to cool slightly then place in a food processor. Add the rest of the butter in small pieces, purée until smooth. 3. Line an eight-inch terrine mould with butter and spoon in the pâté. Allow to cool completely before covering with a thin layer of butter and placing in the fridge to chill and firm – a minimum of 6 hours. We like to drop a whole bay leaf on top of the butter as it cools, so it looks beautiful when you serve it at the table. Eat alongside toast, and a few cornichons if you like. Christmas pudding Recipe by: Skye Gyngell, Spring and Heckfield Place I unashamedly adore Christmas pudding and I’m perplexed by those who say they don’t. What could possibly be more tempting than a steaming pudding – irresistibly fragrant with a mix of spices, molasses, sugar, candied peel, dried fruit and brandy- arriving at the table? These puddings will happily keep for a year in the fridge, their flavour becoming even more delicious. Makes: 2 puddings, each serves 6 Ingredients: 360g suet grated 170g plain flour 180g fresh white breadcrumbs 150g candied peel 350g seedless raisins 350g currants 200g sultanas 170g dark muscovado sugar Grated zest of a lemon Grated zest of an orange ½ nutmeg grated ½ tsp salt ½ tsp ground cinnamon Juice of ½ a lemon 4 organic free-range large eggs, lightly beaten 100ml Armagnac 550ml whole milk Butter, to grease To serve: Small ladleful of brandy Method: 1. Stir all the pudding ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined; the mixture should feel quite wet. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave to stand in a cool place overnight. 2. The following day pack the mixture firmly into two lightly greased 1 litre pudding basins. Cover the surface with a disc of baking parchment, then cover each basin with a double layer of parchment to secure under the rim with string. Place a trivet to each of two large saucepans (or cook the pudding one at a time). Stand the basin(s) on the trivet(s). Pour in enough boiling water to come two-thirds of the way up the side of the basin and put the lid on. 3. Bring to the boil over a high heat, then lower the heat slightly and cook for 6 hours, topping up the pan with boiling water as necessary. Lift out the pudding basin and leave the pudding to cool to room temperature. Re-cover with clean baking parchment and a layer of foil and place in the fridge or store in a cool, dry cupboard until needed. 4. On Christmas morning, boil the pudding (as above) for 1½-2 hours. 5. Warm the brandy just before serving. Turn out the pudding into a warm plate, pour on the warm brandy and set alight. Bring the flaming pudding to the table. Serve brandy butter alongside, and perhaps a jug of thick pouring cream for those who prefer it. 6. Make your own brandy butter using just three ingredients: unsalted butter, icing sugar and Armagnac. The proportions don’t really matter- it’s the quality of the ingredients that counts. Allow 175g of unsalted butter for 6 generous servings. Beat the butter until soft and creamy, then beat in about 150g icing sugar and 2-3 tbsp Armagnac to taste. 7. To seal the Christmas pudding ready for steaming, cover with a generous double layer of baking parchment, placing it in the centre as shown (this allows room for the pudding to expand during steaming). Tie securely in place with kitchen string, positioning it tightly around the basin just below the rim. Leave a length of string to act as a handle for lifting the basin out of the pan. Meringue with chestnuts and cream Ingredients: 6 organic free range egg whites 360g caster sugar ¾ tsp vanilla extract Small jar of sweetened chestnut puree 4-6 tbsp double cream 70 per cent chocolate, for grating Icing sugar, for dusting Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 150C and line a baking tray. Place egg whites into an electric mixer, add a pinch of salt and whisk slowly. As the whites break down, increase the speed, adding the sugar gradually and the vanilla extract and whisking until stiff peaks form. Shape into 20 meringues on parchment paper, leaving room for them to expand in the oven. Place on the middle shelf, lower temperature to 120C and cook for 30 minutes, then leave to cool. To serve, spoon chestnut puree and a dash of cream on to each meringue. Finish with grated chocolate and icing sugar. Cured salmon with sweet mustard sauce Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard This is a dish we have all year round, however, for Christmas we infuse it with some more festive flavours such as juniper, star anise and orange. The salmon would usually be served with fresh new potatoes and sweet mustard sauce. Ingredients: 500g salmon For the cure mix: 50g salt 50g sugar 10g blitz juniper berries 10g blitz star anis Sweet mustard sauce 1 tbsp mustard (half Dijon, half spice brown) 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tbsp sugar ¾ cup neutral oil ¼ cup fresh chopped dill Salt, pepper to taste Method: For the cured salmon (takes 2-4 days): 1. Mix the salt, sugar, juniper berries, star anise. 2. Cover the pieces of salmon with the cure mix in a bag or on a deep tray, and leave covered in the fridge for 48 hours. 3. You will know when the salmon is ready when the end of the salmon is slightly hard to the touch and the salmon’s colour is slightly darker. 4. Serve in thin slices. For the mustard sauce: 5. Whisk mustard, vinegar and sugar, then add oil a tablespoon at a time to emulsify (thicken). 6. Finish with dill. Pickled herring Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard Pickled herring can be be served with many different flavours, it is a type of preserved fish popular in Scandinavian. The herring is first salted, and then they are pickled in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar and spices. We eat this with new potato and vasterbotten cheese served on crispy bread. This is something I always have in my fridge and eat year round, my favourite way to eat it is mustard herring. Ingredients: 420g plain herring For the pickled liquor: 50ml white wine vinegar 25g caster sugar 5 white peppercorns 1 red onion, finely chopped 3 cloves 2 bay leaves 1 tsp yellow mustard seed 1 carrot, finely chopped Small bunch of dill Method: 1. Bring the vinegar, sugar and 150ml water to a simmer in a small pan. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from the heat. 2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, and pour over the brine and leave to cool completely. 3. Drain the herring and rinse in cold water, then add to the brine and leave in the fridge for at least one day before serving. To make mustard herring: 1. Mix together 1tbsp wholegrain mustard, 1tsp, Dijon mustard, 2 tsp sugar, 2 tsp white wine vinegar 50ml oil until you have a thick sauce. Add 1 tsp chopped dill. Swedish Christmas ham (julskinka) Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard This is one of the dishes that you will find at all the Swedish Christmas tables. Swedish Christmas ham is made special by its mustard crumb topping, which is delicious and adds texture, crunch and a lovely tang from the mustard. This is best served straight out of the oven, when it is still a little bit warm. I like to eat a thin slice on top of a piece of crispy bread with a little bit of mustard on. Ingredients: 1 egg 3 tbsp wholegrain mustard 1 tsp sugar ½ tsp salt 60g bread crumble Method: 1. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, mustard, sugar, salt and half of the breadcrumb. 2. Once combined, spread the paste all over the top of the ham. Once you have an even layer on top, add the rest of the breadcrumbs evenly across the topping. Pop the ham in the oven on 185 degrees for 15-20 min. 3. Serve the whole Christmas ham on the table, and sliced as needed. Serve with a good sweet coarse mustard. Mumma Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard Mumma is a Swedish beer cocktail that is traditionally served during the Christmas. Ingredients: 500ml lager 500ml stout 250ml lemonade 75ml madeira A splash of gin A splash of cardamom powder Method: 1. Pour everything gently into a large jug. Stir to combine. Serve in large wine or7 brandy glasses. Mulled wine Recipe by: Niklas Ekstedt and Therese Andersson, Ekstedt at The Yard We usually start the dinner with mulled wine, served a little bit warm with almonds and raisins. Ingredients: 2 large orange 1 litre red wine 1¼ cups brandy ½ cups dark brown sugar 2 cinnamon sticks 6 whole cloves 3 cardamom pod Method: 1. Using a peeler, remove the peel in strips from 1 orange, then juice the orange. Slice the other orange into rounds and reserve for garnish. 2. In a nonreactive saucepan, combine the orange peel, juice and the rest of the ingredients. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves for about 2 minutes. Increase the heat to high, bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently until the flavours meld for about 30 minutes. Strain the mixture, discarding the solids. Read More Beauty advent calendars 2021: Our guide to this year’s top treats 13 best tech gifts to spoil a gadget geek this Christmas 10 best luxury Christmas crackers for dressing up your dining table Why the Spanish are calling bull on M&S’s chorizo paella croquetas! 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The dilemma over what to have for breakfast has been solved - with a Full English waffle. Known as the ‘British Breakfast Waffle Trio’, the traditionally-sweet favourite has been infused with flavours of the classic Full English, with a range of batters including black pudding and bacon, tomato and mushroom, and Cumberland sausage with orange zest. Topping options include an English tea whip, orange marmalade drizzle, baked bean-infused whipped cream, black coffee syrup, and crispy hash crumble. The waffle was created by the hotel brand Hampton by Hilton, after research of 2,000 adults found three in 10 claim to be more experimental with their morning meals, with 59 per cent open to trying unusual food combos. Pauline Wilson, vice president, focused service operations, EMEA, Hilton, said: “With more than half of Brits being more experimental with their morning meals at hotels we’re excited to offer our guests the British Breakfast Waffle Trio - a loving tribute to the iconic traditional fry-up.” The study found Londoners take the title for being the most daring (53 per cent) at breakfast time, while the Welsh (77 per cent) and those in the East of England (77 per cent) admit to lacking in the creative department for the first meal of the day. It also emerged 61 per cent will usually eat the same thing every day at home, but 51 per cent claim to be more experimental when they are away. A fifth of those polled will eat a traditional fry up at least once a week, with 52 per cent opting for savoury over sweet, but 37 per cent enjoy the two flavours equally. The research, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed cooking websites are the most popular resource for ‘foodspiration’ (22 per cent), with the same percentage turning to family and friends for ideas. It emerged a fifth enjoy watching TV programmes to inspire their cooking choices - more than those who use social media platforms (nine per cent) such as Instagram (13 per cent), YouTube (13 per cent) and TikTok (eight per cent). The British Breakfast Waffle Trio is available on December 1 when staying at select Hampton by Hilton hotels, including London City, Bath City, York Piccadilly and Edinburgh West End. Pauline Wilson added: “We hope this innovative waffle flavour combination satisfies the nation’s craving to try something new for their morning meal.” Here are some of the most unusual combos adults are most likely to try: 1. French toast and maple syrup 2. English Breakfast Waffles 3. Honey and peanut butter on toast 4. Avocado and honey on toast 5. Honey and cheese toast 6. Salt and porridge 7. Marmite and peanut butter on toast 8. Baked beans on croissants 9. Peanut butter and bacon 10. Fruit and scrambled eggs Read More The eight vegetables you might not know you can eat raw for health boost What does Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt cook at home? Why I’m giving up sobriety when everyone else is giving up drinking The eight vegetables you might not know you can eat raw for health boost What does Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt cook at home? Why I’m giving up sobriety when everyone else is giving up drinking

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The cornerstone of one’s winter wardrobe, a coat is an essential purchase if you’re looking to update your look for the new season. On the AW23 catwalks, designers delivered exceptional outerwear, with everything from tailored cuts and muted tones to bold hues and glamorous animal prints. These are the runway trends to know about now, and where to shop them on the high street… 1. Black magic The latest iteration of the continuing ‘quiet luxury’ trend, black tailored coats were all over the runways, from Givenchy (oversized) and The Row (double-breasted), to Dolce and Gabbana (nipped in at the waist). The ultimate outerwear investment piece, a long, black coat in a classic cut made with high-quality fabric will – if you look after it carefully – last you a lifetime. Mango Double-breasted Wool Coat Black, £179.99; 100% Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, £119.99; Leather Boots with Tall Leg, £199.99. Lucy Sparks Black Waist Tie Women’s Coat With Deep Pockets and Shawl Lapel, £53; (other items, stylist’s own), SilkFred. Joe Browns Black Fur Trim Coat, £130; Black High Neck Embellished Long Sleeve Top, £21.60 (was £24); Nobody’s Child Mila Midi Skirt, £45; Square Toe Leather Boots, £75, JD Williams 2. Lipstick brights At the other end of the style spectrum, coats in brilliantly bright lipstick shades popped up repeatedly, from fuchsia at Gucci and raspberry pink at Max Mara, to scarlet at Valentino and Bally. If you’re looking for a statement staple this winter, ruby red is an elegant option, while a hot pink coat will brighten up any outfit. Star by Julien Macdonald Pink Cape Belted Coat, £119; Eyelet PU Ponte Leggings, £42, Freemans. Monsoon Bobbie Boucle Coat Red, £150; Cutwork Floral Embroidered Top Black, £70; Lara Wide Leg Jean Blue, £80; (shoes, stylist’s own). 3. Luxe leopard Take a walk on the wild side with an animal print coat, as seen at Stella McCartney, Ganni and Dolce & Gabbana. From lightweight leopard print coats perfect for layering over chunky knits, to thick furry jackets that work with everything from jeans to party dresses, a roar-some coat is a surprisingly versatile option. Roman Tan Premium Animal Print Faux Fur Coat, £89. Issy London Lena Leopard Faux Fur Jacket, £219. 4. Trench coats The timeless trench coat is having a high-fashion moment this season, with appearances on the catwalks at Chloé, Dries Van Noten and (of course) Burberry, the brand that invented the style. A longline trench in stone or camel will serve you well from autumn through to spring when teamed with cosy accessories – add leather gloves, over-the-knee boots and a cross-body bag for an effortlessly chic look. Albaray Belted Trench Coat, £165; Blue White Stripe Organic Cotton Shirt, £79; 90’s Straight Leg Jeans, £79. Paisie Faux Fur Collar Coat, £188 5. Quiet quilting Taking over from power puffers, lightweight quilted jackets are the trendiest way to wrap up warm this winter, according to Hermès, Chloé and Max Mara. Muted tones rules when it comes to this fashion-meets-function trend – think khaki, forest green and beige. La Redoute Recycled Padded Jacket in Slim Fit, £65; (other items, stylist’s own). George Green Quilted Parka Coat, £35, Asda. Read More 12 ways to weave some woodland wonder into your home Hibernation mode: 5 small self-care adjustments to make before the clocks change 13 possible cancer symptoms you should get checked out Neglecting women’s health at work could cost UK economy £20.2bn a year – analysis Nearly three-quarters of mothers feel invisible, study suggests The best ways to work-out in 22 minutes – as study finds this is magic number for offsetting ‘negative impact of sitting’

Ludwig Ahgren is best known for his live streams on Twitch and YouTube

xQc has often been in the limelight for the expensive luxury items he spends his earnings on

With a switch in seasons and jumper weather signalling a change of mood, the same can be said for the structure of your scent. Suddenly a spritz of watery notes, summery sugariness and barely there blossom feels hollow… it’s your senses telling you it’s time for something heavier to match the weight of your winter wardrobe. And with so many breathtakingly beautiful perfumes and long-lasting elixirs to engage with, now’s the time to focus on a fragrance with some oomph… 1. Jimmy Choo I Want Choo Forever Eau de Parfum, £50 for 40ml (100ml for £64 also available), Fenwick A fanfare of deep raspberry-rose, cassis and intense, spicy sweet nuances, this is a stand-out fragrance in the Jimmy Choo range – with a rich earthy note and vanilla sweetness aligned with pink peppercorn. Extremely attractive with floral touches and sensual vanilla on the drydown. 2. Akro BAKE Eau de Parfum, £80 for 30ml, Fenwick Alluring and mood boosting, the name is a bit of a giveaway and will take you to a happy place. With top notes of praline, rum, vanilla cream and press of lemon, it’s quite hypnotizing – and if this was a luxurious box of truffles and pralines, the first tray would be gone. Base notes of bourbon, brown sugar and vanilla make for a sweet ending. 3. Tom Ford Café Rose Eau de Parfum Spray, from £90.10 for 50ml (100ml for £127.50 also available, Escentual Fans of Fords’ original Café Rose will adore this reimagined classic which pulls at the heart strings with its bouquet of velvety roses combined with seductive spices, dark coffee notes, with a warm sandalwood accord and notes of rose essence as the fragrance evolves. Divine. 4. Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire THÉ AMARA Eau De Parfum, £145 for 75ml, Fenwick A contemporary take on a tea note – think a morning stroll through a tea plantation – with enticing green, dry leafy aromas complemented by bergamot, rose and uplifting sweet pea; at its base there’s white musk and cedarwood lending depth, finishing with fresh powdery nuances and touch of rose. 5. Ormonde Jayne Arabesque Eau de Parfum, £195 for 88ml, Ormonde Jayne Arabesque is inspired by a journey through the spice souks and a sensory feast of patchouli and oudh. Opulent and sexy, with a sensual combination of rose, jasmine, fruity accords, vanilla, musk and wood… think gourmand with a whiff of grown-up glamour. Read More Consistent lack of sleep may increase risk of future depressive symptoms – study World Osteoporosis Day: The risk factors and early warning signs everyone needs to know about How to support a child with a stammer From colourful gowns to drones, these wedding trends are set take over 2024 Call The Midwife ‘should come with a health warning’ Halloween: 10 wicked ways to kit out your haunted house

When it comes to new season must-haves, a handbag is right up there. An easy style update without the fear of making a fashion disaster, whether you go designer or high street, you know you can bank on a bag being the one thing that’s going to look good – and boost your mood. And for a need-to-know, this season is particularly polished with ladylike top-handle bags to show off your nail art, reds to fire-up winter whites, double denim and black wardrobe essentials, silver silhouettes, and the oh-so larger-than-life XL tote. “While burgundy and deep autumnal reds are always apt for A/W, we predict that bold, fiery reds will be a handbag staple this season,” says Nia Davis, design manager at handbag and accessory brand, Fiorelli. “With many of us turning to darker palettes to match the weather, a pop of bright red is a great way to break up dark outfits and make a statement.” Moreover, designers are offering up moc-croc prints, supersized bags with enough space to carry all your hardware, and more. “Finally, bags are getting more practical and we’re seeing customers trade into larger bags again, especially totes,” opines Zoe Donovan, digital & marketing director, LK Bennett. “They are perfect for every day, and you can fit your evening bag in there for those day-to-night situations.” “And secondly, like all fashion magpies, we’ve fallen for all things metallic, in bags, shoes and clothing!” adds Donovan. Here’s our pick of the pieces to see you through all of the above, and proffer style with substance… 1. Red From practical, crossbody styles to slick, soft pouches, red is never too hot to handle. And the beauty of a red bag is that you can team it with a striking slick of lipstick in the same shade, to add a little bit of drama to those dark, autumnal evenings. Think matchy-matchy for a quick wardrobe and beauty fix. The Drop Women’s Avalon Small Tote Bag, £32.90, Amazon. Astrid Crossbody Red Croc, £59, Fiorelli. 2. Silver What’s not to love about something snazzy and sparkly, that’s both sophisticated and sexy? This season, silver bags have been reimagined for day and evening; what’s more, you can always pair two together… think a slim, silver crossbody for your phone and a squishy clutch for keys and other essentials, to style up staples such as classic knitwear. Naha Animal Strap Silver Crossbody Bag, £42, Oliver Bonas. Bonanza – Silver Diamante-Plait Metallic Clutch Bag, £95, Dune. 3. Top-handle There may be a removable strap or handy chain tucked inside, but it’s all about reaching for a top-handle this season. At first glance, it’s prim and proper, but a handle has its many virtues. Not only can they be placed on your wrist, leaving you hands-free for more shopping sprees, but they also look expensive. Beyond black, gold is a go-to ahead of the party season, while sugary shades channel a girly aesthetic. Coco-effect chain bag, £29.99, Mango. Mini Harbour Gold Leather Trapeze Tote Bag, £299, LK Bennett. 4. Moc-croc print The surprise hit of the season, moc-croc is a chic option – and the easiest way to buy into a designer brand when eyeing up their luxe accessories. Marrying form with function, these croc-effect handbags are having a fashion moment. As Davis puts it: “From old-money aesthetic with tan croc, to a gothcore take with black crocodile, this print can be played with to suit your personal style.” Making moc-croc handbags the perfect option if you’re looking for a timeless classic for your collection. Linden Gardens – Faux Croc Large Zip-Top Shoulder, Dragon, £259, Radley. Lauren Ralph Lauren Sophee 22 Embossed Leather Shoulder Bag, Vintage Brown, £349, John Lewis. 5. Supersized tote What’s not to love about a handbag in XL? Proving we all love to chuck everything in and don’t mind delving deep to find stuff, having room for all those extras is where it’s at with these supersized totes. Whether you go for over the shoulder option or scale up your handheld, the bigger the better, with the added bonus of being able to pop a smaller handbag inside. Vero Zebra Print Tote Bag, £55, Hush. Gwen Grey And Cream Check Fabric Tote Bag, £269, LK Bennett. Read More Dawn O’Porter: ‘I fantasise about the other side of menopause’ Everything you need to know about bedbugs as increase in numbers is predicted PE ‘enjoyment gap’ widens for girls: Why it matters and how we can help The psychology of Big Brother: How to survive in the house How to support someone coming out in their 30s and beyond Israel-Hamas conflict: How to talk to teenagers about distressing news stories

When it comes to transitional fashion, it doesn’t get much better than denim. Navigating that tricky time when it’s not warm enough for T-shirts, or cold enough for coats, is easy when you’ve got a capsule wardrobe of denim delights. And with tons of catwalk and celebrity inspiration around, this autumn/winter, you’re spoiled for choice in the denim department. From baggy jeans to retro skirts, these are the denim trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this season… 1. Wide-leg jeans As seen on the catwalks at Diesel, Coach, Jean Paul Gaultier and more, wide-leg jeans are an autumn essential. Take your cue from the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid with extra-long baggy jeans teamed with trainers or loafers, or opt for a cropped pair to show off a pair of statement ankle boots. Monsoon Lucille Print Blouse, £42 (was £60); Lara Wide Leg Jeans, £80 Crew Clothing Parker Wide Leg Jeans, £69 2. Midi dresses A denim midi dress is incredibly versatile at this time of year – especially if it’s indigo, as opposed to summery light blue. A sleek pinafore is perfect for layering with long-sleeved ribbed tops or rollneck jumpers, while shirt-dresses go well with chunky trainers or knee-high boots. Aspiga Trinity Tencel Denim Dress, £150; Montreal Trainers, £99 V by Very Curve Sleeveless Button Through Denim Dress, £38; Scoop Neck Puff Sleeve Jersey Top, £18; Adidas Originals Stan Smith Trainers, £61.20 (were £85), Very 3. Embroidered jeans The latest Noughties look making a comeback, embellished and embroidered denim was a major trend on the AW23 runways, and now it’s hit the high street in a big way. From cute floral motifs to cool graphic designs, these elevated jeans take denim to the next level. Lucy & Yak Olly Jacket with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £70; Dana Mom Jeans with Daisy-Mae Embroidery, £65; JoJo Socks, £7.50 (vest and shoes, stylist’s own) Fanfare High Waisted Recycled Embroidered Faces Jeans, £159 4. Split skirts As summer’s micro minis take a back seat, Nineties split-front skirts are the style to be seen in this season. Try an indigo or black knee-length skirt teamed with ankle boots for a laid-back weekend look, or go full-on grunge with a faded, floor-sweeping maxi. Oliver Bonas Washed Black Scalloped Pocket Denim Skirt, £65 PrettyLittleThing Vintage Mid Wash Split Front Denim Maxi Skirt, £32 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Doorscaping: How to create a fabulous front door display for autumn More than a quarter of middle-aged women living with ‘metabolically healthy obesity’ – study Jonnie Peacock on Strictly Come Dancing representation: ‘It’s important to break people’s perceptions’

Amazon's second Prime Day is coming, and that means there are some great deals to