Let’s celebrate a great British thing the Bramley apple; a veritable colossus of the kitchen. From crumbles and pies to apple sauces and even lightly pan fried as a foil for strong cheeses. The forgotten quince is well worth tracking down at this time of year. People keep saying it but do try duck or goose as a alternative to turkey, the reason the British had this for Christmas is they are at the height of season now. Mussels are at their plumpest juiciest best and are a wonderful change from all the heavy food around during the festive season.