MOST cooks operate on the KISS principle at Christmas Keep It Simple, Stupid! and who can argue with that sentiment. But within that framework there are many ways of ringing a few subtle changes without too much hassle and with minimum risk. Try this stuffing recipe to add a touch of the exotico

f=helveticaWild Rice Stuffing with Pearl Onions, Dried Cherries and Apricots

6 tbsp butter

510 grams pearl onions, blanched in boiling water 1 minute, peeled

2 cups canned chicken broth

3 tbsp chopped fresh thyme

1/4 cup wild rice

1/4 cup long-grain white rice

170 grams dried apricots, coarsely chopped

1 cup dried tart cherries

1 cup raisins

1 cup pecans, toasted, chopped

Salt and ground pepper to taste

Method

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2

tbsp of the butter. Add the onions and saute until brown, about 15 minutes. Set aside.

In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth and 1 tbsp of the thyme to a boil.

Add the wild rice and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Add the white rice; cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is almost absorbed, about 15 minutes longer.

Stir the dried apricots, dried cherries, raisins and the remaining 2 tablespoons of thyme into the rice; cover and simmer for 3 minutes.

Stir the pearl onions and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter into rice. Mix in the pecans. Season generously with salt and pepper.

oWINE should flow with worrying ease around any jovial Christmas table, so why not add a little spice, literally.

f=helveticaMulled wine

1 bottle red wine

1 stick cinnamon

6 whole cloves

1/4 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

1 slice lemon

1 dash nutmeg

1/2 cup brandy

Method

Put sugar into water and simmer until it dissolves. Add cinnamon, lemon, stud with cloves and fresh grated nutmeg, then simmer.

Add wine and heat (but don't boil), add brandy and serve.

of=iIT'S the richest of desserts, and one which many people would refuse to give up. Yet in centuries gone by, eating plum pudding after your Christmas dinner could land you in prison! Feeling it was rich enough to be sinful, Oliver Cromwell banned it, and anyone indulging could be fined or sent to jail.

f=helveticaOutstanding Plum Pudding

230 grams butter

2 tbsp black treacle

90 ml brandy

90 ml dry sherry

juice and grated rind of two lemons

50 grams candied peel

4 eggs (size 2)

230 grams breadcrumbs

230 grams each of raisins, sultanas and chopped, ready-to-eat dried apricots

230 grams brown sugar

85 grams flour

85 grams each of hazelnuts and almonds, chopped and toasted, and glace cherries, chopped

1 large cooking apple, chopped

1tsp each nutmeg and all spice.