Tiny quails may not seem as impressive as a mammoth turkey, but there is something refreshing about a spread of individual birds on the Christmas table.

Eating ready-made meals is about being very passive, and actively cooking is something that nothing compares to.

The smells of slow cooking spread around the house and impart a unique warmth matched only by the flavour of the food.

On many occasions, an informal buffet and casual seating offer a little more intimacy than a loud gathering around a big table.

Vegetarian and frugal it may be, but the chickpea is one of the most versatile ingredients you could keep in your cupboards.

For those, like me, who can't rely on being given a home smoker this Christmas, you can build your own approximation with just a roll of tin foil and a big wok or pan for which you have a lid.