This is the stuffing I usually do for goose. In fact, whenever I try something different (apples, potatoes, apricots, walnuts or whatever), there is a family outcry and I practically have to sign a contract promising not to deviate again. It also goes well with turkey and pork: halve the quantities for a 1.5-2 kg boned and rolled joint of pork (If you’re using fresh chestnuts, see my tips here). 30g butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 6 rashers of streaky bacon, diced 200

A round-up of white wines – dry first, then sweet – to cover the festive season, whether it's a quiet night in, basic crowd control, or the ultimate celebration. There's also one rosé, a rosé like no other. There's nothing at a really bargain-basement price, as there is in my Festive Reds selection, simply because I don't find the same quality in whites at the bottom of the price scale. Wines are listed in ascending order of price within the two categories of dry then sweet.

Updated 15 December to take in a Christmas offer price in the Co-op – £5 off its Chateauneuf-du-Pape A round-up of red wines of all persuasions, origins and prices to cover the festive season whether you're looking for something cheap to fuel a party or something top-end for a celebratory meal. Wines are listed in ascending order of price. For alternative stockists, including in other countries, try wine-searcher.com. Percheron Shiraz Mourvèdre 2015, Swartland, South Africa A

The first of this year’s festive round-ups is sparkling wines – any kind of alcoholic fizz except Champagne (Champagne will follow). They’re in ascending order of price, give or take an occasional special offer, so it's a skip around the globe taking in white, pink and red en route. You can find other stockists in the UK and retailers in other countries at wine-searcher.com. V8+ Vineyards Prosecco Sior Sandro Extra Dry, Veneto, Italy Light, crisp, vibrant and drier tasting th

Ten Champagnes to put you in the mood for Christmas and all the rest Listed in ascending order of price, ignoring special offers and quantity discounts. I've given a UK stockist and price (sometimes two) for each, but you can find other stockists in the UK and other countries on wine-searcher.com. Les Pionniers Brut NV Champagne Biscuity, rounded and fresh. Consistently good; remarkable value. The Co-operative's own label. 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay. Th