MasterChef Magazine Bumper Dec/Jan Issue On Sale Now

This month's issue of MasterChef Magazine is brimming with great ideas for gifts and entertaining through the festive season and well into the New Year. As usual, it's about helping you to make mealtimes as straightforward and simple as possible, but with those creative twists that make them special.

For all those who love a touch of tradition at Christmas, Matt Moran cooks a rosemary and quince-glazed ham, along with a couple of bright, fresh salads and relishes. Marion Grasby, meanwhile, takes the hard work - and guesswork - out of cooking turkey, and adds an Asian spin with spectacular results. And in Taste Test, Leanne Kitchen stirs up a classic Italian Christmas cake, certosino, which is packed with all the good stuff - glacé and dried fruits, nuts, chocolate and spice - and best of all, is a cinch to make.

Elsewhere, we've got summer celebrations covered with Curtis Stone's relaxed lunchtime (or any time) menu that manages to be both light and indulgent at the same time, as only Curtis knows how. MasterChef Series Three favourite Hayden Quinn cranks up the barbie to share some outdoorsy seafood recipes, including his dad's special fish cakes with chilli dipping sauce. And food director Sophia Young goes to town with a simple multicultural feast - think hummus with crisp lamb, Mexican baked salmon with corn and spices, and our latest cover pin-up, her luscious frozen raspberry, mango and macadamia meringue. And of course, what would Christmas be without a madcap dessert from Adriano Zumbo? His kooky meringue snowman is set to be the ultimate festive centrepiece this season!

For some great gift ideas, take a look at our jam-packed On the Menu news pages, full of foodie treats, books and more. And, speaking of books, we have a couple of exclusive extracts in this issue: first up is George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan's new cookbook, Cook with Us, which has plenty of useful tips and beautiful ideas for sweet presents to make at home, such as Gary's yummy raspberry marshmallows. Then there's our Ultimate Junior MasterChef Collection from Series Two - take a sneak peek at some of the easy, fun recipes in this special edition, which goes on sale nationally 21 November for just $14.95.

But wait, there's more! Our popular Mystery Box and 30-Minute Meals features are full of quick-smart ideas that will work just as well for fast midweek meal solutions as for easy entertaining inspiration. Matt Preston shows how easy it is to love ex-MasterChef contestants Chris Badenoch and Julia Jenkins's eatery, Josie Bones, in Melbourne's Collingwood; and Anna Gare shows the kids how to whip up a light, summery version of a Christmas fruitcake in Junior MasterChef. And for the inside info on everything that's great about Sydney's Northern Beaches - from cool bars and funky cafes to fine dining and accommodation with views to die for - check in to our sunny, beachy Long Weekend story.

For more fun and special features, download the December/January digital version for iPad, on sale at the iTunes store for $2.99. With behind-the-scenes videos, easy-to-follow Cook Mode and cooking demos, it's the perfect kitchen companion. Or pick up the magazine at leading newsagents, supermarkets and convenience stores, for only $4.95. Look for Sophia's sensational Christmas dessert on the cover!