December… Are you a traditionalist or are you forever seeking new ideas to try? Most of us have a foot in both camps, I’d say: recipes we’re tied to (in my family’s case our late mum’s Christmas pud and brandy butter – find the recipes at deliciousmagazine.co.uk) mixed with upstart interlopers. I love the annual hunt for a new pudding (never trifle – sorry – although food ed Tom’s recipe on p86 might just convert me); different cake; surprising side dish or two... And, of course, ideas for party food that don’t take hours of prep or involve last-minute faff while the assembled throng are getting merry on crémant and giggling in earshot.