AH SPAIN. Is there any wonder so many of us go there on holidays every year.

The EU's top health official has said there is no need to panic over the Europe-wide horsemeat scandal.

Susan McCann joins a line-up that includes Brendan Bowyer, Tony Kenny and Sonny Knowles to celebrate the sounds of the showband era tonight and tomorrow night at The Helix.

JUST a few days before Christmas and I hope you have your wines chosen. If not don’t fret, most wine shops and supermarkets have frozen their prices until Christmas before the €1 excise duty is added.

PASTA sauce isn’t difficult to make. It’s even difficult to make badly once you have bought good quality ingredients. There is huge scope for flavours and textures and it’s worth diverting from the classic tomato sauce to try some simple combinations. A simple blend of chopped anchovies warmed in olive oil, fresh tomatoes chopped with a handful of fresh parsley or basil when they comes into season makes a healthy meal. Or try peas with olive oil for an Italian classic. Use leftover roasted peppers with tomatoes and garlic for peperonade, another tasty vegetarian option. For a creamier, silky sauce try some cream with smoked or fresh salmon.

I WENT to the local branch of a German chain store and bought a head of celery for 89 cents, a bag of carrots for 99 cents, two tins of tinned tomatoes for 39 cents each and two 800g packets of minced beef for €2.85 each, which add up to €8.36.