The Essential Guide to… is a unique magazine series that gives you everything you need to know about the world of food, all year round. Every issue is full of inspiration, top tips and the best recipes for cooking and entertaining. Each one tried, tested and tasted to perfection.

The Essential Guide To…

10 WAYS TO GET ORGANISED • Looking forward to planning the Christmas meal, or slightly dreading it? Follow these simple steps to take the stress out of the run-up to the big day

Your cooking COUNTDOWN • If you want to be serving drinks for 1pm and Christmas lunch at 2pm, you need to have a good plan. So make sure you keep this checklist close at hand…

A FESTIVE FEAST… without the FUSS • Here’s your guide to the big lunch, with time-saving tips and recipes you can prepare ahead, so you can juggle the oven space and enjoy the celebration

Time to RAISE a GLASS • After a bracing walk, nothing warms you up like a hot toddy or a glass of punch. And if there’s ever a time to enjoy a cocktail, it’s at Christmas…

The cocktail masterclass • Bartenders make it look a breeze, but anyone can create drinks with the wow-factor using these easy tips

5 festive canapés • These nibbles all look and taste like you’ve spent ages in the kitchen – yet much of the prep work can be done ahead of time, so you can enjoy a cocktail, too. And if you’re not expecting a crowd, make up a batch and keep some for another day

Let’s get STARTED • A starter sets the scene for the rest of the meal, so kick off yours with something colourful, tempting and – ideally – easy to prep or part-prep ahead of time

Who wants to carve? • White meat or brown, whole bird or crown? Turkey is often the star of the Christmas table, but it’s more versatile than you might think. Try these for size…

THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS TURKEY COOKING GUIDE • We answer all your questions about cooking turkey – from trussing to checking if it’s perfectly cooked

How to carve a turkey • The big joint can appear daunting to novice carvers, but it’s easy to portion up if you have a strong sharp knife, a carving fork and our guide

Because it doesn’t have to be turkey • Who says you have to stick to tradition? Maybe it’s time to serve up something different this Christmas with one of these spectacular joints

And if you want to go meat-free… • Vegetarian or cooking for someone who is? These mains are packed with flavour and great for a special Christmas meal. Plus you can make them the day before you need them

10 simple sides • With a little imagination, you can turn humble veg into great sides that make perfect accompaniments for your roast – they’re easy to prep ahead, too

Don’t fancy Christmas pud? • At this time of year, dream desserts are ones that look spectacular but can be easily prepped in advance. These recipes fit the bill perfectly – and not a pudding in sight

Pass the CHEESE • It’s the perfect end to a meal so pick your festive cheeses carefully. Go for a mix of textures and flavours – and don’t forget the crackers!

What to do with that LEFTOVER TURKEY • Most of us resort to curry, or possibly soup, but leftover turkey is so much more versatile than that. Try these ideas for starters (or mains!)

Make friends with the freezer • If you’re clever, you can use your freezer to ease the pressure in the run-up to Christmas by pre-prepping ingredients ready to bring out on the big day

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Mince pies & more • Use shop-bought mincemeat and pastry, or make them yourself. The season’s favourite sweet treat is easier than you might think

How to make the perfect CHRISTMAS CAKE • Start by baking this foolproof recipe, then decorate it with...