Hot tip

Seville oranges are now in the shops so pick some up. These bitter sweet oranges produce marmalade with a unique flavour.

Extra virgin olive oil: Give a foodie friend a bottle of good extra virgin olive oil. Mani from Greece, Colonna from Italy, Laudemnio and Marques de Valdueza from Spain, South Africa’s Morgenster and Dundargan from Australia are exceptional. Available at Ballymaloe Cookery School shop, Urru in Bandon (023 54731) and good delis.

* Irish panforte: One of my best finds this Christmas was a delicious panforte made by Richard Graham-Lee of Patisserie Regale in Dunmanway. It’s packed with candied peel, nuts and fruit; a tiny slice with a cup of coffee satisfies the urge for a little something sweet. Tel [phone].