THE GREAT FOOD adventure starts from those first tastes of baby rice to delicious home-cooked family dishes and convivial dining en famille. Well, that's the theory at least. There a tasty menu of chldren's food products available, and more and more

Serves 2IngredientsA carrot, peeled and sliced into matchsticks 1/4 Chinese cabbage, shreddedA handful of peas1/4 o f a broccoli head, broken up50g (2oz) of rice noodlesMethodBring a pot of water to the boil and add the vegetables, starting with the carrots, as they will take abo...

This is my mother’s excellent Christmas pudding that’s based upon the British royal family’s sumptuous recipe. Like all Christmas puddings, it’s best made a month or so before the big day, as the taste improves as it matures. Makes 2, each serving 8

in the pan. Fry for two minutes on each side or until golden. Serve with lots of fruit, sliced banana and honey or crispy bacon and maple syrup.Adapted from Fay’s Family Food by Fay Ripley, published by Michael Joseph, £20. 

Go festive with foodWhat better way to conjure up some festive spirit than by making your own delicious decorations or edible gifts?Home baking is also a great activity to enjoy with your child - all the fun of measuring and weighing, the joy

The Moomins Cook Book by Tove Jansson and Sami Malila (SelfMadeHero, £12.99) is a beautifully illustrated introduction to Finnish cuisine.PancakesMakes 14 pancakesIngredients80g (3oz) wheat flour20g (3/4oz) barley flour 500ml (18fl oz) milk1/2 tsp salt 2 eggsA knob of butterStraw...

Serves 4 (makes about 8 pancakes)Two of your five a dayYou can make US-style pancakes without eggs by using coconut milk instead, but they’re not as light and fluffy as these ones. The milk typically called for in pancake recipes, however, can easily be swapped. I discovered this...

Schloss Elmau, BavariaSet in the beautiful Bavarian Alps, 100km south of Munich, Schloss Elmau offers the perfect sanctuary for frazzled families.The family spa is an oasis of calm with several saunas, relaxation areas, a tea lounge and pool

Christmas Cake Kit, £20What could be finer than creating your very own Christmas cake with a little help from Fortnum & Mason? Doing it yourself in style also means you can omit any pesky adult ingredients that your child doesn't enjoy.Available in store from Fortnum & Mason.

cool Christmas inspiration on Junior:Chic Christmas stockingsThe best festive food makes for familiesGet creative with gingerbread