Episode 1

Nigella Lawson sets out to cook a Christmas lunch that attempts to marry the weight of Dickensian expectation against the modern worries of today's chefs.

For many, a laser-thin line exists between salmonella and leathery disappointment and the thought of spending Christmas night in A&E makes most of us lean towards the safety of an overcooked bird. With an affection for turkey, there is no alternative to Christmas lunch for Nigella and she sets out to deliver her method of preparation with a super-spiced, juicy roast turkey.

Accompanying the bird on its final journey are pancettta and chestnut sprouts, gingerbread stuffing and maple syrup parsnips, all finished off with Fanny Craddock's gift to the world - vodka-flamed Christmas pudding.