Welcome to Christmas

For Nadiya, it’s fesenjān, the Iranian sweet-and-sour dish sprinkled with jewel-like pomegranate seeds, while Ben makes his mum’s crunchy ‘forcemeat’ balls, and Hetty’s family celebrates with spiced rice with beef. In Christmas at Ours on page 33, five of our team highlight their favourite festive dishes and invite you to try them. We’d love you to share your own celebratory recipes in our BBC Good Food Together group on Facebook using

#Bbcgfcelebratetogether – we’ll feature the best on our social channels. By making each other’s recipes, we create new traditions and a richer, warmer table.

Our columnist Melissa Thompson continues the theme of togetherness by speaking to three refugees who share their powerful stories and the importance of sharing food from their cultures (p166).

Finally, we have amazing roasties, pig(let)s in blankets (p58) and a smoky bread sauce so delicious you might have to make double (p62). No apologies for starting the festivities early – let’s make the most of being together and celebrating all we have to be grateful for.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas from everyone at BBC Good Food.