Christmas Checklist: Food and drink

Adnams Yuletide

Created specifically for the festive season, Adnams Yuletide is a 4.5 per cent ABV dark ruby beer described as having a dryish palate with a clean finish and the distinctive late-hop character the Suffolk brewer is famous for.

"We know fans of English beer want something a little different when they are out and about during the festive season," says marketing director Steve Curzon. "There is a plethora of novelty Christmas specials on the market, but we know there is a demand for brands, such as Adnams, that the consumer knows and trusts."

God's Wallop

Christmas is a time to think of others… and with that in mind Westerham Brewery in Kent has launched a Fairtrade festive ale.

The recipe for the 4.3 per cent ABV God's Wallop, an old ale-style brew that's available throughout December, includes Fairtrade demerara sugar from Malawi. Ten per cent of the price of each pint sold will go to Fairtrade charities.

Dorothy Goodbody's Christmas Ale

Wondering what drink to recommend with the Christmas pud? Wye Valley Brewery in Herefordshire thinks it's come up with the answer.

Dorothy Goodbody's Christmas Ale is a rich, ruby-style ale, full of complex flavours that aims to complement the richness of the festive dessert.

Pickled Partridge

Another apt brew for the festive season is Pickled Partridge from Dorset's Hall & Woodhouse.

Named after the traditional farmer's wife's recipe for partridge braised in ale, Pickled Partridge (4.6 per cent ABV) is a dark beer with a hoppy, spicy linger.

"Its nutty and fruity overtones are ideal for serving with cheese platters and Christmas desserts," recommends head brewer Dr Tim Morris.

Silver Hill Foods duck

When you see Christmas coming at you, all you have to do is… duck!

With turkey prices set to soar putting duck on the menu makes an interesting alternative, and it need not be time-consuming thanks to Silver Hill Foods' honey roast half duck, which is slow cooked and partially deboned by hand. All you have to do is reheat in the oven and serve with seasonal vegetables or a simple mixed salad.

Pudding Lane festive desserts

Australia may be known as the home of the barbecue but the country's rich natural landscape also provides everything a traditional Christmas pudding needs.

Pudding Lane's festive desserts are handmade to century-old Aussie recipes and includes Christmas Puddings, Macadamia & Brandy Pudding Christmas Logs and the award-winning Toffee Logs. Order online at www.porterfoods.co.uk

McDougalls Christmas Pudding Logs

If you've no time to cook your Christmas pudding from scratch, here's an alternative. McDougalls Christmas Pudding Logs and Basins are crammed full of sultanas, currants, raisins, mixed spices and sherry while the Luxury version is made with brandy and rum.

Packs yield 16 to 24 portions. Simply chop the puddings into wedges, slices or blocks before steaming or baking for about two hours or microwaving in minutes.

McDougalls also offers Christmas Pudding Minis, which can each be decorated with a dusting of icing sugar and a festive sprig of holly.