Roast potatoes are the crowning glory of a Christmas feast, but simply popping them in the oven won't guarantee that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Celebrity chef James Martin recently shared his top tips for achieving perfect roasties in his latest recipe book, Cheese. James suggested that the secret to a golden, crunchy crust lies in heating a tray with butter, olive oil and beef drippings in the oven before introducing your spuds. While it might sound odd, ensuring your baking tray is piping hot will instantly sear the potatoes, kick-starting the crisping process. This technique prevents the potatoes from absorbing excess oil or butter, thus avoiding a soggy, greasy or lumpy outcome. | 
