WE’RE determined not to do doom and gloom. So, on the basis that a yummy little treat can cheer up even the grimmest day, we’re having lots of fun these days experimenting and making delicious Christmas presents for all our friends.

COELIAC disease is triggered by eating gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, oats and rye.

Antony has also written a book called Healthy Eating for Diabetes which I have recommended to diabetics on several occasions. Here is a selection of sweet treats from The Sweet Life by Antony Worrall Thompson, published by Kyle Cathie.

Cookery Classes at Snugboro 2008: Rory O’Connell teaches intensive one-day classes at his home near Ballycotton, Co Cork. Private classes or workshops for groups or individuals can be organised! — rory@rgoconnell.com; tel: 086-8516917.

FROM India’s Vegetarian Cooking by Monisha Bharadwaj published by Kyle Cathie

FROM India’s Vegetarian Cooking by Monisha Bharadwaj published by Kyle Cathie

Cooking for Kids with Rachel Allen. Half day course at Ballymaloe Cookery School — 2pm on Friday April 13, tel 021-4646785.

The Festive Food of Italy by Madalena Bonino published by Kyle Cathie

The Festive Food of Italy by Madalena Bonino published by Kyle Cathie

THIS recipe for Pumpkin Soup comes from The Festive Food of America by Martina Nicolls published by Kyle Cathie with wonderful photographs by Will Heap.

THIS recipe for Pumpkin Soup comes from The Festive Food of America by Martina Nicolls published by Kyle Cathie with wonderful photographs by Will Heap.

Duchy Originals Cookbook by Johnny Acton and Nick Sandler, Kyle Cathie; €37

EVERY now and then I come across an exciting food writer. I have just come across an Indian cook called Monisha Bharadwaj. I should have known about her sooner as she has written several award-winning books.

I have seen innumerable diet fads come and go, but have never advocated any regime. I simply encourage people to seek out fresh, naturally produced, seasonal local food.

PAUL GAYLER is executive chef at London's Lanesborough Hotel and an award-winning food writer. He is well known for having brought vegetarian cooking to a new level.

THERE’S a sneak preview today of my new book, which hits the shops this week.

CAN a house change one’s life? I wouldn’t have believed it. But almost from the day Patricia and Walter Wells first saw Chanteduc — their 18th Century farmhouse in northern Provence — their future was altered forever.

CLARISSA Dixon Wright is one of my favourite people. Many of you will know her as the surviving half of the Two Fat Ladies.

WHEN Green & Black’s was launched in 1991 they marketed it as the world’s first organic chocolate.

CELEBRITY chef Conrad Gallagher is back!