Food Network Specials

Christmas is a state of mind but it's a difficult state to achieve if you finish work on Christmas Eve and are expected to be as mellow as a tipsy Santa the next day, Ice Queen more like! Nigella's answer is to start early by filling her shelves with home made seasonal Beetroot and Ginger Chutney, bright red Chilli jelly (fabulous with cold ham and spiced beef), Spiced Fruits steeped in Ximinez Sherry (poured over Cornish Ice cream) and Winter Spiced Vodka. This episode is not just about condiments, Nigella will be making her Christmas Puddini truffles destined for the store cupboard but unlikely to last there for long. Nigella's Christmas cookies are welcome gifts but the most comforting aspect of all this work is the sense that Christmas doesn't have to come "off the shelf". This Stocking Filler will create a sense of homely Christmas industry but it isn't all solitary work. Nigella opens her doors to a few friends for a pre-Christmas Brunch. Featuring an Espresso martini, Triple Cheese and Onion Strata, a Glazed and toasted Vanilla Cake 'Brioche' and an Anti-oxidant Fruit salad, which could come in handy for the weeks ahead!