In the midst of recipes for super indulgent comestibles at last, thanks to Greg and Spaw, a glimmer of hope that the Festive Cheer will after all be traditional. The Brussel Sprout rules. This, most deservedly, maligned of all vegetables, this inedible, indigestible and indestructible green lump is the very embodiment of the Spirit of Christmas.

Come December 25th at lunch time I will again undertake that annual death defying feat of eating (without the aid of safety net, drum roll optional) ONE WHOLE BRUSSEL SPROUT. This task completed, the formalities conclude and merrymaking can commence.

The consumption of more than one of these beasts is to be heartily discouraged by any other member of the party who may still be around in 2 hours time ( this being the gastric gestation period).

Personally I have always wondered why it is not possible to obtain really good fish and chips on Xmas day.