pigs in blankets mac 'n' cheese.

Now we’ve opened the first door of our advert calendar, dropped a few hints about pressies and booked that wreath making class. Is it finally December? The season for all things jolly, decking the halls and jingling bells. With that comes some of the best food back in the supermarkets too. Sprouts? Love them. Chocolate log? Can’t get enough. Pigs in blankets? An absolute must.

But when you aren’t conjuring up your Christmas roast, how else can you enjoy some classic pigs in blankets. I’ve created a festive twist on an American classic with this Pigs In Blankets Mac 'n' Cheese recipe. What more could you want in your macaroni cheese than extra little morsels of sausages wrapped in bacon? Bliss. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cheese board too. Not that there is ever any leftover cheese in our household…

christmas tree bakewell biscuits.

With glowing glacé cherries, the subtle hint of almond essence and the signature drizzle of white icing, these delicate Christmas biscuits encompass the best of a Bakewell tart. Great for festive buffets, homemade gift ideas or to keep in your biscuit tin throughout December, these cute Bakewell inspired biscuits are the third of my festive recipes from my Christmas collaboration with Central England Cooperative. And if you like the sound of these, you might fancy making my Cherry Bakewell Mince Pies.

christmas lasagne: with turkey, brussels sprouts, bacon and a cheesy stuffing sauce.

Combine your love of pasta and the decadent ensemble of a Christmas dinner to make this delicious Christmas lasagne. Although it may make Italian cuisine purists wince a little, the mix of turkey mince, nostalgic scent of sage, sautéed Brussels sprouts, smokey bacon lardons and cheesy stuffing topping just works. If you aren't a fan of Brussels, you could always switch them out for carrots or extra onions. But, why would you want to? If you're tempted by this festive combination, you might like my other Christmas recipes with Central England Cooperative from my partnership with them last year, including this Pigs in Blankets Macaroni Cheese.

hot chocolate orange.

Now it's almost December. is it okay to talk about the C word? I mean chocolate, of course. There's something about chocolate orange that gets all those festive feelings going for me. And with the night's drawing colder and darker, what better time to curl up with a hot chocolate, a cosy blanket and a nostalgic Winter film?

This tangy and indulgent hot chocolate recipe (should it be coined hot chocolate orange or orange hot chocolate?) is super simple to make and uses all the ingredients you'd find in your local Central England Co-op store. Even the decorations! I was super impressed by the baking aisle in general, with lots of lovely cake decorating items from Co-op and known brands, as well as lots of types of sugar, flour and confectionary. This delicious drink can also be made vegan, as the dark chocolate already is and you'd just need to substitute the dairy for a nut or oak milk and cream of your choosing. Enjoy!

christmas not-so-pudding brownies.

A Christmas pudding for those who don't like Christmas puddings. Made with a gluten free chocolate brownie base, these festive treats are utterly chocolatey and indulgent. I'm not that all into Christmas puds myself, I'll have one on the big day but I cant take it or leave it really. I'd much rather scoff some delicious chocolate brownies - and if sticking white chocolate and marzipan holly on them makes them acceptably Christmassy then I'm all for it!