It's a tough job. But someone needs to make sure that your Chanukah doughnuts are worth the calories.

Each year, I head into the festive season a few weeks ahead of everyone else. By the time that first candle has been lit, I've taste tested most of the recipes from the JC's Chanukah food pages - an essential part of the job. And, this year, I've also sampled the finalist fillings in the JC's Chanukah competition, held in conjuction with the US and Carmelli Bakery. 

Kosher doughnuts have come a long way. Once upon a time, the synthetic-tasting jam oozing from supervised 'nuts left a bad taste. The chocolate flavour was similarly disappointing, often leaving me regretting my festive splurge. 

Those days are long gone. So delicious were the prototype doughnuts of the finalist fillings baked up by Carmelli Bakery, that my children and I hoovered up every last crumb. I've no idea how Paul and Mary manage to hold back from licking the plate when they're on GBBO judging duty. 

Whichever filling wins - and I confess that I already know but cannot share it just yet - you should hot foot it down to Carmelli for Chanukah and buy a box of your own. Buy two boxes - they won't last long. The winner will be announced in tomorrow's Chanukah Supplement with your copy of the JC. 

And if you're looking for another doughnut to destroy your diet, Charlotte's Sourdough is the place for you. Find her on Instagram @charlottessourdough to place your order. The lovely Charlotte has just announced that she is now licensed by the Sephardi Kashrut Authority so everything is strictly kosher. 

 She'll be baking every day of the chag - other than Shabbat of course. After her own taste test she'll be stuffing her sourdough 'nuts with raspberry jam; chocolate tahini and halva; lemon curd; chocolate orange or vanilla maple creme patisserie. Yum!  All delicious and well worth every moment on those lips.