Eat it

King Prawns

In a dash of oil, pan fry the prawns (two) in a light coating of polenta flour until golden brown.

Squid Rings in chilli

Dip the rings in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs mixed with dried chilli and lemon zest salt and pepper.

Deep fry until golden brown.

Tuna

Seal the tuna on a griddle or hot pan, cook for one minute either side, leaving the fish pink in the centre.

Crab fritters

In a pan bring 250ml of water to the boil, then add 70gs of butter and reduce the heat. When the butter has melted add 125gs of strong flour, cook out. Place the butter and flour mix in a bowl and add four eggs and mix thoroughly. Add 40gs of crab meat, 20gs of olive tapendade and leave to cool. Using two spoons, form into shapes and fry in hot oil until golden brown.

Sea bass with chickpea and chilli

Using clingfilm, place the sea bass skinside down, place a basil leaf on top, a squeeze of lemon juice and season. Roll up place in a steamer for eight minutes. If you do not have a steamer the fish can be lightly poached in the clingfilm.

For the dressing: Diced small chilli, diced mixed peppers, lime juice and zest, olive oil, , small tin of chickpeas, baby spinach and rocket. Heat in a wok leaving spinach until last. Serve the fish on top of the dressing.

Recommended by head chef Luke Culkin of The Fig Mediterranean Bar and Grill, Clarence Dock, Leeds


Nest building

You may think it's an odd time for me to be advising you to get out and about in the garden but that's exactly what I'm about to do.

This is the time of year when the small birds need a home so it's a great time to put a nest box in the garden. The ideal spot is somewhere that is sheltered from heavy rain and nasty winds but also somewhere that you're going to be able to see from your house!

It is also a great idea to leave out seeds for the birds to eat. On cold winter mornings it's delightful to spend ten minutes or so watching the birds and even better if you've got children that you want to teach about wildlife.

Recommended by Barker & Stonehouse, Leeds


Listen to it

Stereophonics

Decade in the Sun

Mercury

EMERGING from a former pit village near Aberdare, Stereophonics were part of a new wave of young British guitar bands following in the footsteps of Blur, Pulp and Oasis.

Unlike their contemporaries Cast, the Longpigs, Menswear and Sleeper, however, they're still very much with us – and still enjoying chart hits such as You're My Star.

Much of their appeal remains down to Kelly Jones, their photogenic frontman whose gravelly voice is an instantly recognisable feature on top five singles such as Mr Writer, Just Looking and Have a Nice Day.

They're all on this best of, along with their lone chart-topper Dakota and their inimitable cover version of Mike d'Abo's Handbags and Gladrags.

Available as a 20-track single disc or a deluxe double CD and DVD set in a hardback book, Decade in the Sun is sure to be on many a Stereophonics' fan's Christmas wishlist – not least because the latter includes rarities, live performances and the new song My Own Worst Enemy.