Fried food is a traditional feature of the feast, referencing the magical lamp oil—such as Claudia Roden’s Bimuelos de Hanukkah; sweet, yeast-risen fritters in syrup. There are plenty of fabulous fried treats in our recipe collection for a Homemade Hanukkah. Find Sweet Noodle Kugel with Apples, and Frittelle di Zucca (squash fritters from the Veneto). There are also recipes for that all important Challah, the darkly golden loaf that is an essential presence on the Jewish table.

This book we hope will continue that tradition.(…) As busy professionals, wives and mothers, we know that however healthy a recipe is, unless it’s easy to make, looks and tastes delicious, and really works, it’s unlikely to become a family favourite. So we’ve filled this book with recipes inspired by the great Evelyn Rose that we think meet those criteria, and that we love to cook and share. We hope you’ll love them too. As Evelyn Rose used to say, enjoy them in good health.”

Take inspiration from alternative traditions, or explore our collection of Alternatives to Turkey for Christmas. Find Josceline Dimbleby’s Glazed Goose with Special Stuffing, and her Little Lamb Pies with Chestnuts and Spices. Or try a Pineapple & Mustard-Glazed Ham, or this Curry Cauliflower Christmas Pasty with Almonds and Apricots.

Brussels sprouts, a many-headed variant of the common cabbage, are obscure in origin. While the name seems to point towards Belgium, they are only known to have been in French and English gardens in the late 18th century, and later in the US. Sprouts are, of course, synonymous with Christmas, and while they grow year round, they are likely to be at their best in cold weather.