With a record number of Brits reliant on food banks to keep them properly fed, Jack Monroe has come up with Tin Can Cook, a recipe book using the canned goods and other store-cupboard ingredients that people commonly donate to them.

Along with some great cheats - "I roasted tinned potatoes, they're really nice; they get really fluffy because they're pre-cooked. You just need to use really hot fat," she reveals - Monroe rustles up a mean Cannellini Bean Beurre Blanc using cider instead of wine.

While you'll have to wait until next year for it to hit the shelves, Monroe, an ex-food bank user herself, regularly posts thrifty recipes at cookingonabootstrap.com with her delicious Carrot, Cumin & Kidney Bean Burgers costing 10¢ each and a vat of No-Churn Brown Bread Ice Cream coming in at around 25¢.

We've recommended the site to a previously cookerphobic first year student who's quids in as a result of cutting down on takeaways. Admittedly, the saved money is all being spent on booze but, hey, they're learning about budgeting.

Having laid down a marker last issue with Iceland's Pine Needle-flavoured crisps, Hot Flavours' search for the Ultimate Xmas Nom Nom Nom continues with the festive flavoured ice creams that have just hit the shelves at Aldi. With Espresso Martini, Mince Pie & Brandy Butter and Gingerbread Latte to choose from, your girth come the New Year is likely to be as generous as Santa's.

Fresh from curating the Dublin Oldschool soundtrack, Johnny Moy has taken over booking duties at Drop Dead Twice and The Taproom, the Liberties bar and venue, which have David Holmes, Shit Robot, Andrew Weatherall, Richard Fearless and assorted Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem DJs incoming over the next few months.

The latter is also the first venue in the capital to let you bring your own spirits, which their mixologists will then stir/ shake/muddle into bespoke cocktails for you and your crew.

Their decidedly non-Italian range of pizzas includes a Shredded Duck Confit with Sweet & Sour Orange Sauce number that sounds so wrong, but tastes so right. Ditto the Cauliflower 'Wings' tossed in Sweet & Sticky Honey-Soy Sauce with a Garlic & Spring Onion Aioli.

They're crafty devils too with the Hope American Ale, Bootlegger Irish Black Lager and Lovemaker Pale Ale - wait till you see the label! - top of our 'must-try' list. dropdeadtwice.com.

Forget Slade on the radio and Eggnog Lattes in Starbucks, the surest sign that Christmas is on its way is the return of the Hot Press Festive Drinks Special.

If you've a seasonal brew that you'd like included in December's tippletastic supplement, send details and (better still) a sample to yours truly at stuartclark@hotpress and/or 100 Capel Street, Dublin 2.