Has the trifle all gone yet? Twiglets? Cheese shape thingies? What about the ham? Or the Quality Street? Phew. Thank goodness for that.

If you need something a little simpler. Easy to eat, easy to prepare and not in any way slathered in cream, chocolate or brandy then look no further.

Lots of great recipes like this in my book, Recipes from a Normal Mum, out now… on Amazon, at Waterstones, WHSmith, The Book Depository and many smaller outlets.

Last December: My slow cooker beef bourguignon pie and Crumble topped mince pies and a very ugly but delicious cranberry & raspberry traybake

Two years ago: Mini Yorkshire pudding canapes and Christmas pudding fizz and Brandy butter icing and Rudolf morsels

Three years ago: Lime meringue pie with chocolate pastry and Christmas scones and Ginger cake with Christmas cottage and Hot chocolate on a stick

Four years ago: Moonuts and Cheese biscuits and Parsnip soup and Inauthentic chicken tagine

2 minute marinade

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 tbsp French mustard
• 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp oil (I used groundnut)

Mix all the ingredients together and slather all over chicken thighs, breasts, legs or all of the above. Leave for 2 minutes then bake in the oven at 190°C/Gas mark 5 for 50 minutes or until the skin is crispy and the juices run clear from the thickest part of the chicken.

I serve with lots of buttered peas and a jacket potato for the antidote to Christmassy rich food.