Have you ever flicked through the Australian Women's Weekly Christmas cookbook licking your lips at the tempting photos on every glossy page and thought: "I wish I could just eat ALL of it?".

Well guess what: you can.

And guess what else: you don't have to be a masterchef to do it.

You don't need to chain yourself to the stove for three days either, or have a nervous breakdown from single-handedly whipping up a banquet big enough to feed every shopping centre Santa in Australia. Perhaps most importantly, you don't have to fork out big bucks (which means more money to buy chocolate, hooray!).

No, all you need are a few mates, a sense of fun and a competitive spirit. And the AWW cookbook, of course. Oh, and booze. You're probably going to want some booze.

Matt's prize winning Aussie BBQ ham. Photo: Nikki Firth.
I know all of this because last week I ate a solid two thirds of the 2004 AWW Christmas Cookbook in one sitting, and I barely lifted a finger to do it. (Apart from the fingers that were wrapped around my fork, obviously. I was lifting those to my mouth and back to my plate again pretty much all afternoon.)

So, what's the secret? It's called "The Celebrity Christmas Cook-Off", and it's here to save your Christmas lunch.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE AT THE AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S WEEKLY WEBSITE.