This is my favourite time of year and I eagerly look forward to all the festivities that are coming up. I love the planning and the preparation involved in ensuring that my family and friends enjoy all the festivals as much as I do. How can I forget my readers at this time? Make your festive season truly memorable with a lovely range of sweets that I have selected for you, with help from Mumbai’s Popular Caterers. With just a little imagination, you can create mouth watering offerings for your guests this year, and I guarantee they will be talking about them for months to come. With festivals come parties, and like all conscientious hosts we want to do the best possible for our guests. Try the innovative starter recipes in this issue. Not only are they very attractively presented and delicious, there is no frying involved, thus lightening the burden on your stomach. This is a time when we tend to go overboard with the rich food so it’s always a good idea to regularly include some healthy ingredients in your menus – like zucchini! This low calorie vegetable lends itself to a variety of interesting dishes ranging from soups to main courses, and makes a welcome addition to an otherwise heavy menu. Oats are another healthy and fibre-rich ingredient that can be used innovatively, as you will discover in our article in this issue. As always we turn the focus on health, this time with an article to commemorate World Heart Day. My nutritionists have planned a special one-day menu, covering all meals, of foods that are good for your heart. Follow this example in your day to day lives and you could be doing wonders for the health of your heart. This issue won’t be complete without our regular features - numerology, special recipes for Jains and diabetics, snack suggestions for hungry school kids, recipe contest, etc. Enjoy reading your favourite features and trying out all the wonderful recipes. As always, we look forward to your feedback. Wish you all a wonderful festive season!