A Blanc Christmas by Raymond Blanc. This is a lovely festive collection of seasonal recipes, A glorious treat with some simple and stunning showstoppers to pull out of the bag for the table when friends and family are round. Some classics are here like turkey and Christmas pudding, and it's all warmed up by having images of roaring fires and decorated mantlepieces.

It’s a great book, well put together with great images and sadly one I only flick through once a year. Blanc does do a good cookbook and I am huge admirer. His place Le Manoir Aux ‘Quat Saisons is beautiful, with a kitchen garden to die for and the house itself is just stunning.

I will never forget when I worked for him, I turned up in an old MG and walked in the front door. Reception was horrified! I was soon rushed around the back to the kitchens. Chefs weren’t allowed to be seen in those days, now look at us.

Packed full of wintry dishes, using seasonal produce all readily available, it’s a great book to have in the library to feel that hint of Christmas magic as you flick through the pages.