A little while back I had the pleasure of representing Brighton in a brilliant online guide about ethical eating in the UK for Leisure Range Cookers. I listed my favourite local independent shops, butchers, bakeries cafes and restaurants and as we all know, we are reasonably spoilt for choice in this city, lucky us!

They'll also soon be publishing my dinner party menu using produce from some of the places I featured including:

• Seared scallops (Brighton and Newhaven Fish Sales) with celeriac puree, truffle honey and apple
• Lamb Stifado (South Downs Lamb from Bramptons Butchers) 
• Espresso Pannacotta (Botanical Punk from Red Roaster)

But as the festive season approaches, how about supporting some of the independent food businesses? We all love a good feast, but food has got to taste better when you know where it's come from, right?

• Real Patisserie have the CUTEST decorated Christmas logs I have ever seen
• Hisbe is a good shout for well-made preserves and chutneys from boutique suppliers
• You can't go wrong getting your Christmas meat from Bramptons Butchers - how about goose this year?
• Make a lighter starter with fish from Brighton and Newhaven Fish Sales 
• Fin & Farm have brilliant Christmas veg boxes with everything you'll need
• Infinity Foods always have a great range of chocolate gifts at this time of year
• The festive Sussex-inspired menu at Isaac At is a great Christmas party option
• Blackdown Spirits have produced a limited edition Walnut Liqueur that sounds dreamy
• Red Roaster is the place to Christmas lux brunch this year with their sage & onion waffle, fried turkey and hazelnut crumble
• Purezza have invented a vegan Christmas calzone
• You don't need Christmas as an excuse to visit my favourite Little Fish Market 
• Murmur Restaurant is a Brighton newcomer and the most gorgeous setting on the seafront for a festive catch up meal with friends. Try their hot cocktail menu! 

To read more about these great businesses have a look at the Brighton guide (and other cities too) over on www.leisurecooker.co.uk. 

And if Santa is reading a Leisure Range cooker would be alright with me ;)