Kokova Magazine

Congratulations to winner Helga Brandt (Gillingham).

This was my first visit to Spirit of Christmas. Being advertised as having Christmas all wrapped up at the UK's biggest high-end Christmas shopping event - and returning to Olympia for its 16th year - it certainly was impressive.

The capital’s tastiest food show, the BBC Good Food Show, returns to Olympia this week with a number of new and exciting additions. Sponsored by Lexus, this year visitors to the show can expect to see their culinary idols cooking live in the Supertheatre and meet the team behind the BBC Good Food Magazine at the BBC Good Food Stage.

Finally I have a day to myself in the office and everything is quiet. After a mad October I can now look ahead to the fun of the festive season that is rushing our way - and the Denbies Chocolate Fair later this month.

We had a few pounds of diced lamb left in the freezer from our bulk shop at the local butchers this month. So, combined with the root vegetables left in the bottom of the basket, we have created a 'no-fuss' lamb stew. Perfect comfort food for the colder nights.

When it comes to having time to cook and sort out healthy lunches I am sure we are all guilty of reaching for a ready-made meal or sandwich just for the speed and convenience. But making lunch needn't be such a chore! Lunch today is a quick cheat garlic chicken salad, mostly made with leftovers.