There is something about the Frome Independent Market at Christmas-time that never fails to deliver - it’s a lovely mix of bustle, sparkle and slight chaos. Today it brought all of that plus a generous helping of rain.

If there’s one thing Paula loves more than a beautifully fermented jar of vegetables, it’s sharing the joy of fermentation with others.

December in Frome has arrived in its usual style - full of sparkle, drizzle and the kind of well-meaning plans that end with me sprinting between events, carrying microphones, snacks and a mild sense of panic.

Annie demonstrates some easy canapés to make at home for Christmas Eve Drinks or before lunch on Christmas Day! You can get the kids to help too with these ones. 

Woody herbs, red wine, button mushrooms & pancetta 1 HR 40 MINS (PREP 15 MINUTES | COOK 1 HOUR 25 MINUTES) - NOT TOO TRICKY! Ingredients (for 4 servings) 2 tablespoons Plain flour 1 x 1.5kg free-range whole chicken Olive oil 4 rashers of thickly sliced higher welfare smoked pancetta or streaky bacon 500g shallots 200g button mushrooms 3 cloves of garlic 1 bottle of good robust red wine, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon 3 fresh bay leaves 2 sprigs of fresh thyme ½ a bunch of

A lovely winter warmer of a pie This month we decided to give Jamie Oliver's 'proper chicken pie' a go, with a few of own variations. See below for the ingredients and recipe - and also our finished attempt! Jamie Oliver's 'Proper Chicken Pie' Ingredients 1.5 kg whole free-range chicken olive oil 150 g piece higher-welfare smoked pancetta ½ a bunch of fresh thyme , (15g) 1 leek 1 celery heart 1 onion 1 carrot 2 heaped tablespoons plain flour 250 ml dry cider 1 heaped teaspoon