Welcome to December

Even if the kitchen is your favourite place, at this time of year, it’s good to have a break from cooking to spend more time with loved ones. Encouraging friends and family to share their recipes makes everyone feel involved and takes some of the stress off whoever’s hosting. It’s also a great chance to make some new food discoveries. Our ‘bring a dish’ feature on page 51 highlights four spectacular party ideas from friends Melissa, Melek, Tiffany and Benjamina that are easy to make, wrap and carry. Tiffany, who hasn’t seen her parents for two years, says her dish brings her a little closer to them. Is there one that does the same for you?

We’d love you to share your festive ideas with us in our BBC Good Food Together Facebook group, on Instagram and Twitter using #Bbcgfcelebratetogether and we’ll share the best, as we have on page 10.

For a fun treat, listen to the new BBC Good Food Podcast with Tom Kerridge, available from early December wherever you listen to your podcasts. Everyone’s favourite TV chef shares his seasonal recipes and stories, essential tips and techniques, and answers your questions, too. Find out more on page 145.