From a deep dive into Chinese cuisine to a celebration of cakes: Observer Food Monthly’s books of 2023

Ten titles to buy for adventurous eaters, gardeners or committed cooks. In no particular order, here’s OFM’s pick of the year

Prue Leith: ‘The audience was all whooping, ‘We love you Prue!’ Who doesn’t want to hear that?’

The Bake Off judge on her stage show, the days she was lost for words – and the secret to her Christmas trifle

Phil Howard’s secret ingredient – tinned anchovies

Not everyone likes them – but they add punch to a plate of food

Christmas cakes, bakes and desserts – tested by Ruby Bhogal

The 2018 Bake Off finalist and food writer tastes and rates black forest mince pies, tiramisu panettone and winter orange cheesecake

Christmas party food and drink – tested by Jessie and Lennie Ware

The Table Manners podcasters give their verdict on festive snacks, crisps and booze

Christmas cheese, chutney and chocolate – tested by Poppy O’Toole

Chef and TikTok’s Poppy Cooks rates centrepiece stiltons, truffled sheep’s cheese and festive flavoured chocolates

Deanes Meat Locker, Belfast: ‘They have the good stuff’ – restaurant review

At this excellent steak house, great cooking and unstuffy service show the way forward

Mustard mash at home, eating in pubs not restaurants – this has been my year of ‘easy-fancy’

I’ve been spending more on good ingredients and just going to familiar, trusted places when I’m out. It costs less, and I know I won’t be disappointed

Gregory Porter: ‘Christmas dinners at my house, it’s not 13 people. It’s 113’

The jazz singer says he’s as happy with food as he is with music. He’s still hoping Stevie Wonder will turn up to one of his dinner parties – and he’s got a beef with British steak

Christmas is a time for traditions. If yours is a nativity pizza, who am I to judge?

We may want tradition to be mystical and ancient but in truth it’s exactly what we say it is – be that Baileys, beef rendang or turkey and all the trimmings

Merchants 1688, Lancaster: ‘Seriously impressive food’ – restaurant review

Don’t be put off by the tacky website and dodgy decor, Merchants 1688 is a complete gem

Domo, Sheffield: ‘They’re determined to show you a good time, and they do’ – restaurant review

This endearingly goofy place takes the fine classics of Sardinian cuisine and adds a new twist which is superbly Sheffield

‘An open fire, the dog snoozing at our feet’: readers’ favourite UK pubs for food

Cosy nooks and ancient wooden beams are the backdrop for our tipsters’ pick of proper boozers serving good pub grub

The 20 best Christmas wines for 2023

Our wine expert selects bottles to match any event, dish or budget, from festive fizz to wintery whites and robust reds. Cheers!

Christmas with the Hendersons: Margot’s recipes for a festive feast

It’s the big day! What do you feed the first family of food? Buttermilk-brined roast turkey with wild rice and chestnut stuffing, roast cauliflower with pomegranate dressing, and orange panna cotta