Missed out on Stir-up Sunday? This traditional Christmas cake can be ready in an afternoon, with no need for multiple feeds

Lesley Fernández-Armesto on a superior cake for Christmas

Food and recipes have always offered comfort to Diana Henry. As she brings out a book celebrating her life as a food writer, she reveals how festive cooking brings her the most joy of all

This easy, stylish decoration is quick to achieve, and you can adapt the sugarpaste colour and sprinkles to your taste. Once iced, the decorating takes just minutes.

The days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve lend themselves to casual get-togethers centred around sharing plates – plus a showstopping treat or two

Be inspired by the time-honoured traditions of this month’s contributors bringing you biryani from Sri Lanka, doughnuts from Italy, and more