<h2 id="in-this-months-issue-ba306fb2">In this month’s issue</h2><p>"Across the world, Christmas celebrations come in different shapes and sizes. In my family, our dream day has always been the five of us – mum, dad and three kids (now young adults) – squeezed around the same table that I sat around with my own parents and brothers growing up. For some of you it’s a gang of 10 or more (you deserve a medal). For others, a cosy deux-à-deux.</p><p>In this year’s Yuletide special, cake queen Juliet Sear gets us off to a dream start with a spectacular orange and ginger spiced creation swathed in white chocolate ginger buttercream. For your Big Day menu, where we’ve got mains to suit every table, from a showstopping roast turkey for a crowd to a chicken wellington made for two. And because the side dishes are as important as the centrepiece, we’ve got a mix-and-match selection, so you can build your own perfect plate. Of course, it isn’t all about the 25th (nor family) so to extend your festivities check out our Friendmas recipes.</p><p>Whatever Christmas you are planning, I hope it lives up to your dreams. So, draw the curtains. Get the oven on. Create something warming. Then curl up and enjoy – it’s time to get cosy."</p><p>Keith Kendrick, group magazines editor</p><p><strong>Get the Christmas magazine now:<br></strong><strong><a href="https://magsdirect.co.uk/magazine/good-food-magazine-christmas-2026-good-food-2027-calendar/">Order a copy online from Mags Direct</a></strong></p><h2 id="10-reasons-to-buy-our-christmas-issue-372d0d32">10 reasons to buy our Christmas issue</h2><h3 id="1-free-2027-calendar-148d3ec1">1. Free 2027 calendar</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web9-18473bc.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Good Food 2027 calendar featuring a noodle dish, with a green badge reading &apos;Free 2027 Calendar&apos; against a red festive background." title="Good Food calendar" />
<p>Good Health by Good Food turns one and you get the party favour: a free 2027 calendar. Each month brings playful recipes, from a banana granola split to steak and satay reimagined, to keep your health goals on track in the new year.</p><h3 id="2-the-full-christmas-spread-2f0c4cf6">2. The full Christmas spread</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web1-f5d8c0d.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Golden roast turkey on a serving platter, garnished with orange wedges and fresh herbs beside a lit candle and gravy jug." title="Turkey crowne" />
<p>Plan your whole Christmas dinner in one place. Start with a succulent roast turkey or piri piri honey ham, then pick your trimmings, desserts, drinks and even the cheeseboard.</p><h3 id="3-meet-the-cover-star-430da5d7">3. Meet the cover star</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web2-3f15e2f.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Three-layer Christmas sponge cake covered in white buttercream, decorated with dried orange slices and gold baubles, with a slice served alongside." title="Christmas cake" />
<p>Bake our showstopping cover cake from expert Juliet Sear: white chocolate-swathed layers laced with bright orange and warming ginger. It looks like a bakery centrepiece but the decorations come together far more easily than you’d expect.</p><h3 id="4-mix-and-match-sides-e316a5ea">4. Mix-and-match sides</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web3-d96769a.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Bowl of shredded red cabbage garnished with fresh herbs, surrounded by golden roasted parsnips." title="Red cabbage" />
<p>Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just a few, give your table a new tradition with our airy cheddar and leek popovers or a punchy bowl of hot honey and miso sprouts.</p><h3 id="5-leave-room-for-dessert-74a32874">5. Leave room for dessert</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web4-0ea7005.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Large rectangular layered dessert with a golden brown top dusted with white shavings, served in a black baking dish." title="Christmas desserts" />
<p>Round off Christmas dinner with one of three sharing centrepieces: a boozy tiramisu, an indulgent chocolate cake or a mash-up of two festive classics. All can be prepped ahead, so you’ll spend more time at the table than in the kitchen.</p><h3 id="6-start-with-a-bang-14044fa4">6. Start with a bang</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web5-d28b5e1.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Two glass dishes of prawn cocktail with lettuce, creamy dressing, chives and whole prawns, served with lemon wedges." title="Prawn cocktail" />
<p>Barney gives the dinner party prawn cocktail a modern makeover that you can prep ahead, with clever tips for maximum flavour and minimum food waste.</p><h3 id="7-wrapped-with-love-6befd384">7. Wrapped with love</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web6-4296cdf.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Golden homemade crackers topped with mixed seeds, stacked in a metal tin beside a lit candle." title="Seeded crackers" />
<p>Make someone’s Christmas with homemade bakes and preserves, ready to wrap and tuck under the tree or pack into a hamper.</p><h3 id="8-a-perfect-mash-up-bf301836">8. A perfect mash-up</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web7-3f8b1da.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Golden pigs in blankets arranged over cauliflower in a creamy cheese sauce, baked in a round casserole dish." title="Pigs in blanket bake" />
<p>Pigs in blankets meet cauliflower cheese in Barney’s comforting mash-up, ideal for a Twixmas dinner or Boxing Day buffet. Tips for turning it into a hearty main are included.</p><h3 id="9-toast-the-season-362b3ba4">9. Toast the season</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web8-df582cd.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Four colourful festive cocktails in different glasses, garnished with citrus, herbs and fruit against a dark green background." title="Festival cocktails" />
<p>Shake up your cocktail game with drinks that range from an alcohol-free cosmo to a fiery adult soda float.</p><h3 id="10-meat-free-and-merry-dbe1edd1">10. Meat-free and merry</h3>
<img src="https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/30/2026/10/5x-Reasons-to-Buy-Images-Web10-65249a7.jpg" width="1650" height="1100" alt="Rustic golden pastry tart topped with colourful beetroot slices, melted cheese and fresh herbs." title="Savoury tart" />
<p>Say goodbye to the dry old nut roast. Our luxurious vegetarian mains, including a galette, lasagne and wellington, layer rich flavours and textures to win over the whole table.</p>
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<p><b>Get the Christmas magazine now:</b>
<strong><a href="https://magsdirect.co.uk/magazine/good-food-magazine-christmas-2026-good-food-2027-calendar/">Order a copy online from Mags Direct</a></strong><strong>
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