Nigella Christmas

With just a little over a month to go...less if you count all the parties and get togethers before Christmas and don't forget New Year's Eve, etc., after. Regardless of your religious persuasion, this is the "Holiday Season". And what better gift to arrive at my door but Nigella Christmas.

I say that because who does more decadent, but easy-to-do dishes better than Nigella. I love her casual, almost lazy style and I particularly love how well I do with her recipes. Truly, over the years my best received dinners come from Nigella and people rave about the dishes long after the party is over.

So, naturally we expect deliciousness on every page and we are not disappointed. And in addition, there are so many tips to get you through the holiday season with tips about preparing and freezing ahead of time, that you just might get to enjoy the preparations this year.

She even has an absolutely superb schedule for what she calls "The Main Event". Starting at 10 AM, it gives minute by minute guidelines so you don't get frazzled before your guests sit down at the table.

There isn't just ONE menu, either. She creates lovely options for different "Stars"...like turkey (with several choices for stuffings and sides), naturally, but also roast goose with Pear & Cranberry Stuffing or Roast Beef with Port and Stilton Gravy or Rolled Stuffed Loin of Pork with Rubied Gravy (even her descriptions have one drooling).

Vegetarians need not despair, you are not relegated to sides at this table...Roast Stuffed Pumpkin with Gingery Tomato Sauce, Red Cabbage with Pomegranate Juice, Christmas Salad and Australian Christmas Pudding with Hot Chocolate Sauce. Even I could be vegetarian, at least for the day!

And if that's not enough reason to check it out....the cocktails, canapes and Christmas baking will have your head spinning.

One challenge I always find around this time of year especially, is...what to bring as a host/hostess gift? In Nigella Christmas, you can choose from simple but spectacular gifts that take little time to prepare and really stand out from all those bottles of wine. Vanilla Sugar, Spiced Salt, Marinated Feta, Winter Spiced Vodka, three kinds of chutney, chili jam, peanut brittle...the list goes on and on.

My first project...Cranberry, Almond & Honey Granola, because, seriously who can resist it!

Hope you enjoy your holiday season, even if I am a little early!