THIS Christmas, Good Taste would like a stocking filled withf wild salmon from The Connemara Smokehouse (www. smokehouse. ie), bronze turkey from Roy Turner's farm (order at Caviston's, Glasthule), pate and Christmas pudding from Terroirs (Donnybrook, Dublin 4), organic vegetables from Denis Healy's Organic Delights (Temple Bar market and other farmers' markets), mature farmhouse cheese from Sheridan's Cheesemongers (Arnotts basement), tawny port from The Celtic Whiskey Shop (27 Dawson Street) and Paul Jaboulet Aine, Crozes Hermitage 'Domaine de Thalabert' 2001 from Fallon & Byrne.

On the case

REPUTED to have shifted more bottles of wine through her wine column recommendations than any other wine writer, Mary Dowey knows a thing or two about what pleases Irish palates. Now the top critic has put together an indulgent Christmas case of wines especially for smart Irish retailer enowine. Mary has selected "fine Champagne, two very smart whites and two rich, stylish reds with seasonal foods in mind".

The 12 bottles cost 220 and are available at enowine, IFSC and Monkstown or on-line at www. enowine. ie; tel: 01 230 3500

Talking turkey

SAFEFOOD wants us all to change our habits in the kitchen this year. No longer are we encouraged to wash our turkey or goose before putting it in the oven. This practice can splash germs around the kitchen, which could lead to food poisoning, while doing little to kill any bacteria on the bird's surface. Other smart ideas include washing your hands after handling all meat, storing meat on the bottom shelf of the fridge to avoid drips and allowing sufficient time for your turkey to defrost. For more useful festive food advice check out The shellfish giant FOR something different this festive season we've loaded up our freezer with velvet crabs, brown crabs, lobster and langoustines.

Amazingly, all four products come from Lidl's exciting new Luxury for All range which includes delicious Scottish shortbread, goose breast and tasty Italian cold meats. Our two kilo shellfish bootie cost less than 32, making it incredible value for money.

Washed down with Lidl's superb Premium Cuvee Brut champagne, this is a feast for a king without the ransom.

Available from Lidl stores nationwide over the festive season.

Berry Christmas

WE'VE just added several bottles of Boozeberries' brilliant liqueurs to our Christmas drinks cabinet.

The Irish liqueurs feature handfuls of juicy berries infused in a mellow spirit that deliver a clean and lively taste.

We'll be adding a splash of wild blueberry to our champagne on Christmas Day and serving the delicious wild cranberry as after dinner shots.

Immensely versatile, these tasty drinks have scooped prestigious medals at the 2006 Great Taste Awards and are served in some of Ireland's finest restaurants and bars.

Bag a bottle today from Superquinn, Tesco, O'Brien's and good off-licences.

Home sweet home

KIDS who don't enjoy traditional Christmas cake or pudding will want to get their mitts on this novelty gingerbread house from Aldi.

Ready to assemble with iced sugar and jelly decoration kit, it's a fun and tasty treat. From Aldi stores nationwide, 6.99.

SUDI Pigott's 'How to be a Better Foodie' is the perfect gift for any food lover. Written for the "truly epicurious", every page is packed with nuggets of information that will astonish and educate the most serious of chefs. Chapters include 'how to be truly greedy without appearing so', 'trophy seasonal delicacies', 'nonchalant foodie gems' to drop over dinner and 'iconic pilgrimages'.

Undeniably fun, this is also an erudite and enlightening read that never takes itself too seriously. Good Taste's book of the year.

( 14, Quadrille)