Food and drink are close to the hearts of most Spaniards and at Christmas time many delicious specialities are eaten to celebrate the season.

With most of the major days of celebration including a feast for family and friends, it is a time to enjoy the very best food Spain has to offer. Over the coming months we will try to include some traditional Spanish recipes that you can try out, for now here are a selection of recommendations to enjoy each and every day during Christmas:

• Turkey stuffed with truffles (Pavo trufado)
• Lobster - the larger the better
• Roast lamb
• Paby Suckling Pig - especially for New year
• Cod - called Bacalao

Accompanying the main dish will be a selection soups, seafood, cheeses, pates and delicious serrano hams.

Drinks certainly do not take second stage and special Christmas wines will be bought from the most famous vineyards in Spain. A fine sherry to start or possibly a glass, or two, of cava.

For dessert there may be trifle or fruit but mostly Spanish Christmas sweets including:

• Turron - the essential Christmas sweet in Spain, this is nougat and there are many soft or hard varieties with every table having a selection 
• Mazapan - marzipan, either plain or shaped
• Polvorones - traditionally made at home, these small cakes are made from basic ingredients with a selection of flavours added
• Mantecados - similar to polvorones
• Rosquillos de vino - small biscuits flavoured with anise and sometimes wine.

Spanish red and white wines will be in plentiful supply, while sherry, cider or soft drinks are also usually offered. In keeping with the celebrations there is often Cava to enjoy, the Spanish champagne.

We plan to add some recipes to try out the Christmas (or any time of year), we also welcome any suggestions you may have.