Dishwasher Tip

If you have a lot of plates and serving dishes to heat, fill your dishwasher with all your china and put it on a heat only (drying) cycle, or on the shortest wash option. Do a dummy run beforehand if necessary to time the length of the programme, and then you can set the dishwasher off at just the right time to result in hot dry dishes ready for your Christmas meal. This tip never fails to impress onlookers. It is especially useful if you are cooking for more than ten people with a 2 or 3 oven AGA - the Simmering Oven can then be used exclusively for cooking and keeping food hot.

Vegetable tureen lids and gravy boats are best warmed at the back of the top plate of the AGA where they heat through without the handles getting too hot. Protect the enamel by using a cloth, chef's pad or piece of kitchen paper.