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Christmas pudding in a jar by Karen Burns-Booth Stuck for ideas for unique and thrifty edible Christmas gifts? Try Karen's great suggestion of giving a Christmas pudding in a jar. Alternatively, follow the recipe section to make this light Christmas pudding yourself. Oh that thorny problem of what to buy your friends and family. It seems to get harder every year and with a limited budget to spend, I often decided to make my own gifts. In the past I...Read more

Stuck for ideas for a friend’s Christmas gift or adult Christmas stocking fillers then try making homemade strawberry jam but with a twist. Adding a little fiery dried crushed red chilli and tangy lime rind and juice turns classic strawberry jam into a great foodie gift. Makes 5-6 assorted small jars Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes 1kg (21/4lb) strawberries, hulled and halved 1 teaspoon dried crushed red chillies 1kg (21/4lb) jam sugar with pectin 2 limes, grated rind and...Read more

Roast gammon with sweet potato roasties and bacon sprouts by Graham Campbell Try something different for a roast dinner with this Asian-inspired roast gammon from Graham Campbell. The sticky glaze has plenty of flavour from cardamom, five-spice, soy and honey, while the pairing of sweet potatoes and earthy bacon sprouts are the perfect match. 1 Cover the gammon with water and soak overnight in the fridge - this will reduce the saltiness. Drain, place in a pot and leave under...Read more

Over 50s health & exercise A recent report reveals the full extent exercise could have in preventing disease and treating many conditions. After two years analysing more than 200 separate pieces of research, the lead author, Scarlett McNally, a Consultant Orthopaedic surgeon, reveals the full impact that regular physical activity could have on the nation’s health. While savings to the NHS are incalculable, it is clear that many billions of pounds are being spent on treating diseases such as type...Read more

More than half of the UK’s over 50s are not confident that they will get the care they will need Marie Curie calls for Government action More than half (53%) of the UK’s over 50s – that equates to 12.4 million people – are not confident that they will get the care they need towards the end of their life, according to a new survey commissioned by Marie Curie. Only 5% of people over 50 surveyed by YouGov felt ‘very...Read more

Frank Sinatra born 100 years ago today (December 12, 1915 – May 14, 1998) Visit our Frank Sinatra Pinterest page

Goose breast with goose leg sausage roll, kale and cranberry relish by Marcus Wareing The underrated goose makes a luxurious centrepiece to a Christmas Day roast, and Marcus Wareing skilfully prepares the bird and serves with some suitably classy accompaniments. The goose sausage roll is a particular highlight - guaranteed to provide a talking point at the table. A good butcher should be happy to provide the specific elements, such as minced leg meat. 1 To begin, soak the dried...Read more

Spiced Pickled Peaches Delicious with cold meats on Boxing Day - especially gammon Ingredients Allspice Berries, whole 1 tsp Vinegar, Cider 10 fl oz300 ml Peaches 2lb1 kg Sugar, Demerara 14 oz400 g Ginger, Fresh Root, finger sized , Peeled and shredded 1 oz25 g Cinnamon Stick 0.5 each Cloves, whole 1 tsp Method First peel the peaches - put them into a large jug or bowl and pour over boiling water. Remove into a colander then peel carefully Put...Read more

Lemon Curd Luscious and velvety, nothing beats home-made lemon curd Ingredients Caster Sugar 3 oz75 g Lemon 1 each Butter , Salted or unsalted, cut into small cubes 2 oz50 g Eggs , Large free range 2 each Method Place the sugar into a bowl and grate the zest of the lemon onto the sugar Beat the eggs together in a separate bowl, squeeze the juice of the lemon and add to the eggs, mix thoroughly Pour the egg mixture...Read more