Mary Berry was recently voted third favourite cook/chef for most reliable recipes after Jamie Oliver and Delia Smith. And with good reason: her recipes are wonderfully simple and accessible and always supplemented by useful tips.

We like her Christmas Day countdown and her buffet chapter has some great recipes for successful entertaining. Aga owners will be pleased to find additional cooking notes for their stoves too.

Any drawbacks?

This book combines new winter recipes with favourites from some of Berry's other best-selling titles, which means you may find yourself doublingup with some recipes.

Signature recipes:

Stilton and leek tarts, game casserole, apple, lemon and cinnamon strudel.

One to try:

Scarlet confit Mary's version of cranberry sauce - it is perfect with roast turkey or game.

450g fresh or frozen cranberries 225g granulated sugar Finely grated zest and juice of one orange 50ml port 50ml cider vinegar A large pinch of ground allspice A large pinch of ground cinnamon Measure all the ingredients into a large saucepan.

Bring to the boil and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, stirring from time to time.

Don't worry if it looks a bit runny as it thickens when it cools. Serve warm or cold.

Mary Berry's Christmas Collection is published by Headline, Euro30