Christmas

equipment 25cm (10-inch) round wooden cake board Smoothing tools Set of 3 snowflake plunger cutters (small, medium, large) Fine artist’s paint brush Paper piping bag The sanding sugar gives the snowflakes a lovely texture, however, if you can’t find it, don’t worry, the snowflakes look divine without it. Snowflakes can be made months ahead. Store […]

You can also use lime or blood orange marmalade. Note

Panettone are easy to find around Christmas time, at other times they may not be as readily available. You can use brioche instead, adding a handful of sultanas, or thick-cut fruit bread. Note

If you can’t find dried cherries, use the equivalent amount of extra dried cranberries instead. Note

This pudding can be made a week ahead; store, covered, in the fridge, or freeze for up to 2 months. Brandy cream sauce can be made a day ahead; store, covered, in the fridge. Note

These nuts are so moreish it will be hard to hand them over; to prevent such a dilemma, double the quantity and the problem is solved! Note

This gorgeous layered cake is the perfect balance of sweet and nutty. It's the perfect celebratory cake to serve at Christmas time.

This recipe also makes 6 texas muffins (¾-cup/180ml); bake about 35 minutes. Note

For this recipe you need 1 large pomegranate (375g). Note

If you don’t like heavy fruit cake, this light fruit cake may just hit the spot. Note

This cake can also be made in a deep 18cm (7¼-inch) square cake pan. Note

Use white Candy Melts in place of chocolate Melts for an extra-white finish. Note

This cake also can be made up to 6 months ahead. Turn it into an emergency Christmas pudding by brushing with liqueur, heating in the microwave and serving with ice-cream or custard. Note

If you don’t have a piping bag and icing tube, you can use a small strong plastic bag instead. Spoon the icing into a corner of the bag, twist the bag to close it. Snip the corner from the bag, then use it to pipe the icing. Note

For those who prefer a light fruit cake, this is ideal. Keep the cake for 3 to 4 days before cutting, then cut with a sharp serrated or electric knife to cut cleanly through the almonds. Note

Dried lavender is available from gourmet food stores and cake decorating stores. Note

This pudding recipe is suitable to freeze. Note

A classic steamed Christmas pudding that is sure to bring back childhood memories.

You need 1 large (230g) overripe banana to get the amount of mashed banana required for this recipe. Note

You will have a lot of royal icing left over, use it for making snow on the trees, if you like. Note