Comfort food means different things to different people, so much depends on your upbringing and the culture in which you grew up. Pleasant memories build over time to make certain foods seem more relaxing and soothing than others.

Early in the season rhubarb is forced by covering the plants to prevent light from reaching them.

AT THIS time of year the fields or edible gardens can be quite barren. Spring has not yet set in and most of the traces of a winter harvest are gone.

They differ from the more prevalent oranges we eat because their flesh, and often the skin, is crimson or deep red in colour.

THERE is an ease and comfort to making tray bakes, the final creation will not be on display so there always seems to be less pressure. Whatever you bake will be sliced up before serving so there is always a margin of error. Any of these tray bakes can be prepared a day in advance and either cut when cooled or before you serve them.

Green tea leaves are the green tips of the tea plant, picked and dried, but not subjected to the same withering andoxidation as the leaves in black tea.

At times it is hard to see past a sandwich for lunch. Not everyone chooses to eat bread each day.

The recipes here can be made to give as last minute gifts or simply made as treats for your own Christmas table.

Last Sunday was Stir-up-Sunday. It is traditionally the day to get your Christmas baking in order.