The Times' food and drink magazine E&D returns tomorrow with a special issue that's jam-packed with recipes and ideas for the upcoming festive season.

This month's issue presents a sumptuous selection of Christmas-related goodies to suit all taste buds, from the sweet marzipan fruits that hail back to our childhood Christmases to a dazzling dinner for two for those who are planning a romantic festive eve far from the maddening crowd.

Resident chef Concita Demicoli also takes a festive theme this issue with suggestions about how to end your Christmas meal in style thanks to a range of desserts that steer away from the usual clichés. Those who suffer from particular food conditions but who would still like to enjoy their cake and their pudding will undoubtedly enjoy the special recipes being featured.

Judging by the letters and suggestions received from readers, people's palates are becoming more and more sophisticated, even when it comes to something as simple as an after-dinner liqueur. With this in mind, E&D this month dedicates a spread to grappa, considered as the finest liqueur by the majority of Italians. And while on the subject of drink, readers will certainly be intrigued by the story behind Tirx, a joint venture between two wine-lovers that promises to flourish.

On the travel front, E&D this month takes you all the way to The Netherlands, with tales of cheeses and canals. The sailors among you will definitely enjoy Chris M's account of a cooking trip to Sicily on his boat while Gloria Mizzi's numerous fans will be happy to know that she particularly does us proud this Christmas! Pauline Agius stars in the regular Kitchen Kudos interview and also presents some of her top hassle-free recipes. The good, old ħobża tal-Malti takes centre stage with some interesting nutritional facts and you'll also find a personal trainer's advice on how to get rid of those extra kilos once the festive season is over!

Make sure you meet this issue's VIP dinner guests... footballer Gilbert Agius, cyclist Karen Xerri and horse-rescuer Sue Arnett, as they are hosted at Spice Island at The Excelsior Hotel. There are also countless other scrumptious recipes for you to enjoy, so make sure you get your free copy with The Times tomorrow.

E&D is published by Allied Newspapers Ltd and designed by MediaMaker Ltd. The magazine is edited by Ramona Depares.

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