If winter already feels long and dark, fear not – there are fairy lights at the end of the tunnel. We’re mere weeks from Christmas now, which means all of those delicious yuletide things are just around the corner. Roast turkey! Pigs in blankets! Flaming puddings! Awkward conversations with relatives! We’ve got all that to look forward to.
But this is not the time for discussing Christmas dinner (you can find all our festive recipes here) – we have twenty-four days of December to get through first. Winter produce vibes are at their peak, and all the earthy root vegetables that come into season in October and November continue to be excellent through this month. Jerusalem artichoke, celeriac, squash, salsify and more are still in their prime, giving you loads of options for warm, comforting soups, stews, risottos, pastas and more.
If the vegetables don’t inspire you, there’s plenty of fruit coming to the fore this month. Clementines and satsumas are practically overflowing in the supermarkets, and there’s lots you can do with them, both sweet and savoury. Grapefruits are equally versatile, and are just coming to their best in December, and British apples and pears are also doing the rounds – particularly Bramleys, which start their three-four month season just before Christmas. Pomegranates – though they don’t grow in the UK – also abound in December, meaning it might be time to delve into some homely Middle Eastern favourites.