I have quite a few Nigella books but Nigella Christmas is my standout favourite.  She may not be the most technically gifted chef on the planet but I love that she is the first to admit that and that she cooks like a real person.  I get the impression that she, like me, finds cooking a sort of meditative process.

I was amused to notice that in a recent picture of one of his kids posted by Gordon Ramsay that there was a Nigella cookery book on the kitchen shelf in his house too!

It may seem an odd time of year to be reviewing a Christmas cookery book but I make no apology for that on any front – not least because I’ve used it this very weekend.   I made poinsettia cocktails, which sound ever so seasonal but personally I think they make the perfect summer party cocktail too.  I’m a cheap skate when it comes to cocktails and don’t use real champagne – I used a magnum of fizzy wine I bought for £4.99 on offer in the supermarket and frankly, once you’ve added orange liquor and cranberry juice, you really can’t tell the difference.  And yet again, I’m thinking of having a cocktails page – not really on message with feeding fussy kids though is it?!  It’s a really refreshing easy drink.

Obviously, there are far more recipes than just boozy ones – not that there’s anything wrong with that!

The recipe I probably use the most is her brined turkey.  I’ve seen all sorts of Christmas turkey comparisons by various cookery writers and they all start off being a little sceptical of Nigella as compared to, say, Delia or the aforementioned Mr Ramsay.  But once they start cooking and more importantly tasting the finished product, I’ve yet to find one where she doesn’t win hands down.  I certainly use it every time and it can’t be faulted.  I did struggle to find some of the ingredients on Christmas Eve the first time I did it but then realised that the pickling spices I already had, had pretty much all that was needed and in particular the allspice berries.  Handy tip if you are struggling for a receptacle large enough to brine your turkey is to use a TubTrug – they are easy to transport too.  As for tips on how to stop the dog drinking the brine water – well, sorry, not my area of expertise!

I have adapted the recipe for chickens too – it produces a really moist flavourful roast.