Hitler was nuts for chocolate, Catherine the Great bananas about cherries. What did other dictators fancy?

Not only is a December stroll around any of London’s Christmas markets a delight for the senses – but an insightful history lesson as well.

John Galliano is back to lead Maison Martin Margiela out of stagnation. But the life of fashion’s best storyteller is no fairy tale.

Comfortable or torturous, grotesque or flattering? Where should the fashionistas draw the line?

A kitchen accessory, symbol of feminism, fashion statement, and a chef’s measure of success – the humble kitchen apron has been all this – and more.

The addition of one well known Yuletide ingredient makes this orthodox east European confection a refreshing delight.

Is it time Ikea ventured into fashion? Swedish author and business consultant Stefan Engeseth thinks it would be a natural way to broaden the company range.

A virtuous-yet-decadent cake for when the leaves have fallen.

Or the disappointment of ready-made supermarket food.

My seven minutes in culinary heaven are proof this Islington’s celebrity chef eatery is not just a place to be seen.

Looks like a prop from the Excorcist, but this mildly spiced Indian-inspired soup is packed with the seasonal superfood, kale.

This comforting autumnal dish is aromatic with warm spices and the new season’s apples and blackberries.

Sharp, heady fruit, creamy cheesecake, crunchy spiced base. A classic Mediterranean marriage works like a charm in this indulgent dessert.

Kick off a Halloween party with this creepy nibbles spread. Nothing scary about the taste of them!

This Valencian variation of the crowd-pleasing seafood paella comes with a twist – and a secret ingredient to turn it tar black.

A good marriage of fruit and meat just works: savoury pork, sharp, sweet, balsamic blackberries, mellow pumpkin gnocchi, fresh salad. The best of the season on a plate.

Celebrate the new apple season by baking a classic thyme-scented French apple tart.