A Christmas recipe from River Cottage...

We were delighted to attend a preview at the new River Cottage Plymouth Canteen before it opened earlier this month. What a treat that was!

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has kindly given us his roasted Brussels sprouts with shallots recipe to share with you. A perfect choice as we head for the traditional sprout battleground at Christmas!

Hugh describes this dish as one to "convert sprout shirkers" so give it a go and let us know what you think.

Ingredients

SERVES 4

400g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or whole if small)
350g shallots, peeled and halved, or small onions, peeled and halved or quartered
3 tablespoons rapeseed oil
Several sprigs of thyme
A squeeze of lemon juice
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C/Gas Mark 5. Put the Brussels sprouts and shallots or onions into a large roasting dish, trickle over the oil, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat, then tuck in the thyme sprigs.

Roast for about 35 minutes, giving a good stir halfway through, until everything is a bit crispy, brown and caramelised.

Squeeze some lemon juice over the roasted sprouts, along with a sprinkling of fresh thyme if you like, and serve.

For a change, try a sprinkling of cumin or caraway seeds instead of thyme.

More delicious recipes can be found in Hugh's latest book River Cottage Veg Every Day! and we've got a copy to give away. An inspiring addition to your own bookshelf or perfect gift for a foodie friend.

Simply email jane@helpfulholidays.com by 5pm on Monday 5th December with the word "sprouts" in the subject line and we'll pick a name from the hat.

Hot on the heels of the successful Axminster Canteen and Deli, the brand new Plymouth Canteen and Deli (pictured) opened on 15th November in a fantastic waterside location in Royal William Yard. We loved it - relaxed atmosphere; friendly, attentive staff; tasty  and inventive dishes (yummy warm salad of mushroom, squash and goats cheese and you must try the chocolate and beetroot brownie!) using local, seasonal, organic and wild produce.

If you're thinking of booking a table during your next holiday in Devon, and are looking for a place to stay nearby, here are some ideas for holiday cottages in the South Hams and holiday cottages in East Devon.

Now, don't forget to eat your veg :-)