Our digestive systems must get the most terrible shock at this time of year. Bodies which for the last 11 months at least have been virtuously kept free of puddings, pies, tarts, cakes and chocolates are suddenly bombarded by a massive onslaught of sugar in the form of plum puddings, mince pies, chocolate log cakes, marzipan, candied fruits and liqueur chocolates.
This weekend I urge you to go the whole hog and drink the wines to go with these seasonal sweetmeats. Open those bottles of sweet and strong wines you may have felt too busy, too puritanical or too mean...