JAMIE’S EASY CHRISTMAS

TUESDAY, 8PM, C4 COOKERY (BOX SET, ALL 4)

Sparkling starters, magnificent mains and delicious desserts are often at the heart of our Christmas celebrations. And if you’re searching for inspiration for fab-yule-ous fare to serve this year, look no further as Jamie Oliver has us covered!

In a new two-part series for

C4, Jamie’s Easy Christmas, the popular chef will show viewers how to whip up a wow-factor meal for the big day as well as share a variety of versatile recipes to see us through the whole festive season.

‘For me, Christmas is about getting your loved ones around the table and having a good time,’ says Jamie,

47, who shares five children with his wife,

Jools. ‘But the season is busy enough without you having to spend hours shopping, prepping and cooking.

So I’m here to ease the pressure and make it your easiest one yet!’

Sounds good to us! The first episode focuses on crowdpleasing dishes that deliver maximum flavour with minimum effort in the kitchen. Among Jamie’s favourites is clementine roast duck, served with hoisin noodles and seasonal greens – all cooked in one tray.

‘It’s a stunning, simple, showstopping party dish. What I love about these one-pan wonders is that we’re not losing any flavour; these [ingredients] braise down in all the lovely, fatty bits from the duck,’ says Jamie, who in the series opener also showcases a veggie filo pie that can be easily adapted for a vegan diet.

Also look out for a delicious pear-and-gingerbread cake.

‘What I love about this recipe is that you just bung it all in,’ he says. ‘At this time of year, it’s stressful, and you don’t need all the mess!’

Along the way, Jamie will also share some welcome money-saving tips, including how less-expensive cuts of meat can be transformed into a tasty meal in just a few easy steps with his recipe for beef short ribs.

‘There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking cheap cuts and making them the most beautiful dishes ever,’ says Jamie. ‘It’s like the ugly duckling becoming the swan!’

The second instalment, set to air next week, will feature Jamie’s top tips for creating the best Christmas dinner ever, with a recipe for a salmon gravadlax starter, new tactics for your turkey and roast potatoes, and a spin on Yorkshire pudding.

‘I’ve designed these recipes to help you celebrate with all the frills but none of the fuss,’ says Jamie.

Here, to help get us in the seasonal spirit, Jamie has kindly shared with TV Times his recipe for a honey orange traycake…