Nigella Bites - Episode Guide

It was the night before Christmas and nothing in the house stirred…except, of course, NIGELLA LAWSON. This Christmas, in a one hour special, Nigella shares her favourite yuletide recipes and a few personal secrets that will help take the culinary hassle out of the festive period. From food that's perfect for those unexpected guests to traditional Xmas recipes with a Nigella twist (no turkey curries here!) and exquisite leftover dishes which means no hideous last minute dashes to the supermarket.

But have no fear, Nigella is not one of those who feels that turkey and Christmas pudding are redundant and should be replaced by something more 'interesting'; far from it, Nigella insists upon upholding tradition but feels we have watched enough turkeys being cooked on TV and that it's actually the many days that surround Christmas, with friends and family popping in unexpectedly, that need a little help.

Nigella's exquisite certisino cake is typical of her quest for good food that doesn't result in a nervous breakdown. A run-of-the-mill, shop-bought Christmas cake is instantly transformed into a Carmen Miranda crown with the addition of a few candied fruits and maron glacé - a piece of stress free Christmas theatre that everyone should have up their sleeve.

Nigella's festive ruldolph pie is actually a venison and porcini mushroom version of the traditional shepherds pie, whilst her delicious chestnut and lentil soup are perfect companions for a night in spent curled up in front of the fire.

On Christmas Eve, Nigella upholds her tradition of inviting friends over for chilli gingered prawns, tagliata of beef and snow-flecked brownies. It might sound a little ambitious, but if Nigella says it's not a problem then experience should have taught us not to doubt her.