So this is Christmas and what have you done?

Some Christmas humour

I wouldn't go as far as stuffing the turkey with Prozac, but Christmas can be a time when emotions run high and instead of peace and goodwill to all, it becomes stress and distress for some.

So here's some funny Christmas stories to lighten the mood.

Christmas in the Australian summer can be a trying time for the appointed family chef, usually Mum.

Book review

Last Shot by Jock Zonfrillo

Published by Simon & Schuster Australia $45

Last Shot by chef and MasterChef judge Jock Zonfrillo is described as a coming-of-age memoir of addiction, ambition and redemption.

Born to an Italian father and Scottish mother in Glasgow, Jock's early life was heavily influenced by both cultures.

“Nonno, Dad's dad was the most Italian man who ever lived,” said Jock.

Nonno wore a suit if he was going down the street to buy a newspaper and was a larger than life character to his adoring grandson.

My friend and former colleague, journalist Jamie Duncan, and I had an interesting interview on how Chinese food has evolved over the years. Here is Jamie's story in the Herald Sun.

Why there’s nothing like suburban Chinese food

Melbourne today boasts some of the best regional Chinese cuisine around — but some old-school suburban restaurants are still mastering the classics.

Jamie Duncan

February 11, 2021

Herald Sun

Chinese food in Melbourne has come a long way since the 80s.

Christmas 2020

Christmas this year has come near the end of one of the most challenging years the world has experienced.

Some countries have the pandemic under control, while others are experiencing second and third waves of this terrible virus.

Let's all hope and pray for a better future, a peaceful and joyous Christmas and a happy New Year.

As is this website's tradition, here is a recipe for my favourite dish at Christmas, a succulent baked ham and this year we're trying chef Manu's Christmas ham baked with stout.

Manu's stout baked ham

Laksa lockdown 5

Awesome aubergines.

My friend Joseph Kuek from London has contributed the latest Laksa Lockdown recipe.

His spicy aubergine dish is simple, healthy and totally delicious. Aubergines, eggplants or brinjals, they are simply awesome, as a main dish or an accompaniment.

Joepsh's Awesome Aubergines

2 large aubergines

½ tsp pepper

1 tbsp soy sauce

1 tbsp oyster sauce

½ tsp mixed herbs

½ tsp turmeric powder

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil