16 vibrant, fresh and zingy meals for between Christmas and New Year
Feeling the post-Christmas slump? Create meals which are fresh, lively and full of the flavours we crave to revive us for the year ahead
After the indulgence and richness of Christmas, many of us find ourselves yearning for food that will revive our palates and reset our appetites. The days between Christmas and New Year are an ideal time to embrace vibrant, zingy dishes packed with fresh flavours, lively textures and a lighter touch. Think citrus notes, punchy dressings and crisp salads; meals that awaken the senses and bring a much-needed brightness to the table. Discover our best recipes for lunches and dinners that are bursting with flavour, full of crunch and guaranteed to lift the spirits. See our ultimate collection of dinner recipes, vegetarian recipes and vegan meals for more exciting ideas to try. 16 vibrant, fresh and zingy meals for between Christmas and New Year Clementine and bream crudo Thin slices of fresh bream are dressed with clementine juice, olive oil and sea salt, then topped with capers and microgreens. This effortless, no-cook dish is the ultimate palate cleanser after days of heavy eating. Miso-roasted cauliflower, avocado and lentil salad Roasted cauliflower is tossed in a miso and lime dressing, then paired with creamy avocado, pickled onions and earthy lentils. This salad is packed with fibre, flavour and texture — a nourishing bowl that feels as good as it tastes. Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad Strips of crispy seasoned plaice are served alongside a vibrant carrot and green bean salad, with mint and coriander for a fresh, herby finish. Spicy prawn and peanut rice salad Toss juicy prawns, shredded veg and herbs in a punchy peanut dressing to make a salad that's fresh, spicy and zingy. This effortless rice-based salad can be easily doubled or tripled, too. Healthy turkey stir-fry Sauerkraut adds a delicious tang to this simple stir-fry, made with turkey mince. Balancing earthy broccoli and mushrooms with zingy fresh ginger, the dish is coated in a sweet and salty sauce that gives it a kick. Kimchi eggs Kimchi is a great way to keep friendly gut bacteria in check over the Twixmas period. Try these punchy fried eggs for a levelled-up breakfast or brunch, served on top of toasted rye bread. Leftover turkey ramen noodles Christmas turkey leftovers are transformed into a cosy bowl of ramen, complete with ginger-spiked broth, thick noodles and fresh coriander. Ginger soothes digestive discomfort and relieves nausea. Umami chicken soup with coriander chilli oil Divide this umami-rich soup between bowls, then drizzle over a herby chilli oil alongside lime wedges to squeeze over. Use up any leftover turkey meat instead of poaching the chicken, if you prefer. Simply shred and stir in at the end until piping hot. Hot-smoked salmon salad with chive buttermilk dressing Flakes of hot-smoked salmon are served over a crisp, crunchy salad and drizzled with a tangy chive and buttermilk dressing. The freshness of the herbs and the acidity of the buttermilk lift the whole plate. Fig, mozzarella and serrano ham salad Juicy figs, creamy mozzarella and salty serrano ham are layered with peppery rocket to make a salad that's vibrant, light and bursting with contrasting textures. Ham, pickled pear and blue cheese salad Transform leftover ham into a punchy salad with tangy pickled pears and creamy blue cheese. A scattering of walnuts adds crunch, making this a satisfyingly fresh lunch that cuts through festive richness. Catalan roast chicken, potato and pepper salad This Spanish-inspired salad features roast chicken, potatoes and sweet peppers, all tossed in a smoked paprika dressing. It’s light yet filling, with plenty of flavour from sweet smoked paprika. Parsley and pomegranate salad A vibrant plate of parsley and rocket leaves tossed with ruby-red pomegranate seeds, finished with a sharp citrus dressing. The combination is fresh, crunchy and wonderfully palate-cleansing. Winter panzanella A wintry take on the classic Italian salad, featuring chunks of sourdough, orange segments and blue cheese. Finished with a punchy vinaigrette, this dish is full of flavour and texture. Chargrilled chicken chimichurri salad Juicy chargrilled chicken is sliced and served with a lively chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic and chilli. Serve over mixed leaves for a dinner that’s big on flavour but light on heaviness. Crispy plaice with Thai-style carrot salad Serve strips of crispy seasoned plaice with a Thai-inspired salad of crunchy carrots, cherry tomatoes and green beans. Finish with fresh mint and coriander for a colourful, flavour-packed meal for two.
This make-ahead baked rice pudding flavoured with cinnamon and orange is a simple Christmas dessert that incorporates a playful Swedish festive tradition.
Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Rice pudding is a Christmas Eve staple in my family, always ladled out at lunch before the festivities begin. This baked version is simple to prepare in advance and tastes just as good the next day. Don’t forget the almond – whoever finds it is said to win good fortune for the year." Try Sebastian's Swedish baked rice pudding, then discover cardamom rice pudding, classic rice pudding and Spanish rice pudding. Swedish baked rice pudding recipe
Roasted beetroot, crisp apple and dill come together in a sharp honey and mustard dressing for a bright, crunchy Nordic salad ideal for winter spreads and festive gatherings.
Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Every Christmas my Finnish mum made rosolli, a jewel-bright beetroot salad that’s a staple on Finnish festive tables. Its freshness cuts beautifully through the heavier parts of the feast”. Try Sebastian's Swedish roasted beet and apple salad, then discover beetroot soup, beetroot and goat's cheese salad, beetroot burgers and more brilliant beetroot recipes. Swedish roasted beet and apple salad recipe
Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025
Looking for a festive treat? We’ve found the best spots to take friends and family over the Christmas season, from traditional afternoon tea at The Ritz to afternoon tea with a view from The Shard
Treat loved ones and dine in style over the Christmas season with one of these festive afternoon teas for a Christmas treat. Classic afternoon tea menus of sandwiches, scones and perfect patisserie get a festive makeover at this time of year, from turkey sandwiches and cranberry jam to go with scones, to carefully crafted yule logs, Christmas trees made of cake, savoury mince pies and many more magical discoveries. You're sure to leave full and with a wonderful new Christmas tradition to return to year after year. If you're not after a Christmas theme, check out the best afternoon teas in London and the best across the UK, too. Best festive afternoon teas in London 2025 Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill, Marylebone Known for its travel-themed Flavours of the World afternoon teas, this Christmas, Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has fittingly chosen Lapland as its destination inspiration for guests. However rather than just a few festively named desserts, the hotel fully embraces a sense of delightful theatricality, transporting guests on board a ‘Montagu Kitchen Airlines’ flight to Lapland. Upon arriving our hostess immediately donned a pillbox air stewardess hat, stamped our boarding pass ‘in-flight menus’ and escorted us to our seats ready for take-off. Our napkins were tied with a chic leather luggage tag, two of our three courses were gorgeously presented in multiple compartments of a suitcase, and champagne was offered upon lift off. Our in-flight menu boasted an array of spiced treats, including a tangy sweet water shrimp tartelette and, my personal favourite, a rich but light brioche roll topped with forest mushroom duxelles and Witheridge cheese. Following this there was the classic, traditional plain and raisin scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam – it was however given an exotic twist by featuring a zesty passion fruit jam, all suitably located in the side compartments of our luggage. Lastly, the main part of our suitcase opened to reveal a vibrant display of sweet, delicate pastries – all appropriately Christmas themed, from a Santa Belly made of an almond financier, gooseberry compote and vanilla crémeux, to Scandinavian favourite, kaffe rulltårta, everything was beautifully light and rich in flavour. Price: Festive afternoon tea from £59pp Address: 30 Portman Square, London W1H 7BH Book festive afternoon tea at Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill here. Corinthia London, Whitehall Corinthia London will be serving its festive afternoon tea in The Crystal Moon Lounge with a selection of festive treats from 14 November-4 January 2026. Relax in the stylish lobby under the glistening chandelier and listen to grand piano playing in the background while you feast on elevated turkey or honey roasted ham sandwiches, followed by scones with both strawberry and blackcurrant jams. Finish with the patisserie, including a black forest bûche de Noël, gingerbread and mandarin cake and pear and Tahitian vanilla choux, to name just a few of the many treats on this classically luxurious menu. Price: Festive afternoon tea from £95pp Mon-Thurs, £105 Fri-Sun, caviar afternoon tea from £150pp. Address: Whitehall Place, Westminster, London SW1A 2BD Book festive afternoon tea at Corinthia London here. The Ritz, Piccadilly The Ritz will be serving its traditional afternoon tea with a fun festive twist from 15 November-3 January 2026, with five sittings per day. Take in the luxurious surroundings while you feast on six different sandwiches (think classic cheddar and chutney, ham and mustard mayonnaise, traditional smoked salmon sandwiches and more), Christmas-inspired British pastries; and choose from over 20 different teas including a bespoke Ritz Christmas spiced tea. Price: £120pp; £79 per child (up to 15 years old), except for Christmas Day which is priced at £135 per adult and £90 per child Address: 150 Piccadilly, London W1J 9BR Book the Ritz Christmas afternoon tea here. Festive afternoon tea by Lily Vanilli, Four Seasons Tower Bridge For a modern take on a a festive afternoon tea, head to Lily Vanilli at the Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge. The Christmas treat is served in the grand setting of the Rotunda Bar, complete with towering Christmas tree at the centre. There's no finger sandwiches here. Instead, the tea kicks off with a range of unique savouries including parmesan gougères, confit potatoes topped with smoked salmon and roe, and gildas with fiery pickled chilli. Even mince pies get a savoury twist, with buttery pastry holding a hearty cheese, cabbage and potato filling. Classic scones are served with clotted cream and blackberry compote. Make sure you save room for the sweet course, which includes mini lemon meringue tarts, and sticky toffee madeleines served with a generous cup of toffee sauce. The highlight is a grand mini chocolate salted caramel cake served on it's very own cake stand, adorned with gold baubles and decorated in Lily Vanilli’s signature style with rich, buttery icing. If you can’t slice into it there and then, the team will box it up for you to take home and savour later. Price: £65 per person Address: Four Seasons Hotel London Tower Bridge, 10 Trinity Square, London, EC3N 4AJ Book the Four Seasons Tower Bridge tea here. oblix at The Shard Nothing starts off a festive afternoon tea like walking through a corridor lined floor to ceiling with sparkling fairy lights. Oblix, on the 32nd floor of The Shard, more than delivers that Christmas feeling. If you can tear your eyes away from panoramic views of London including Tower Bridge, the City and the Walkie Talkie building, then the Oblix tea has been given a Christmas makeover until the 4th January. Start with a plate of sandwiches including coronation chicken, egg mayo with generous amounts of truffle and classic smoked salmon. Cranberry scones are served with raspberry and orange preserve and clotted cream, whilst patisserie includes a Christmas tree carrot cake, festive chocolate bauble and snowflake mont blanc. Price: from £69pp Address: oblix East, Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY Book the oblix festive afternoon tea here. The Savoy, The Strand The festive afternoon tea at The Savoy is available now. You can expect classic sandwiches with a Christmas twist, such as oak-smoked cheddar with plum and ginger chutney, coronation turkey on cranberry bread, and a savoury parsnip and carrot cake. Traditional freshly baked plain and raisin scones come with strawberry jam, lemon curd and clotted cream to accompany festive spiced teas. To finish, enjoy a cluster of seasonal cakes and pastries such as the chocolate and orange log, fruit cake bauble and pistachio and redcurrant tree. Price: Afternoon tea starts at £95pp and £115 with a glass of Nyetimber. Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ Book The Savoy afternoon tea here. TĪNG Shangri-La, The Shard TĪNG at the Shangri-La is serving a 'Season of Wonders' afternoon tea until 6 January 2026. The first thing you'll notice are the striking views of London from the heights of The Shard. The stunning scenery makes this trip worth it alone. Then choose from the extensive list of signature teas or add a festive cocktail, mocktail or glass of champagne. The finger sandwiches include coronation chicken, roast beef and truffle egg mayo, while extra savouries include a smoked duck bun with blackberry vinaigrette. Warm scones are served with clotted cream and cranberry jam for full on festivities. Finish with pastries including a 'Festive bauble-choux' and 'Charmed snowy tree'. A vegetarian tea is also available. Price: £89pp, £99 with a glass of champagne. Address: 31 St Thomas Street, London SE1 9QU Book the TĪNG festive afternoon tea here. Fortnum & Mason, The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon, Piccadilly Fortnum & Mason serves its seasonal afternoon tea in The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. For the Christmas tea, you can expect classic sandwiches with a festive twist such as Christmas spiced ham, alongside familiar cucumber or egg mayo. Still-warm scones are served with Somerset clotted cream, strawberry and champagne preserve and orange curd, while cakes and patisserie highlights include a mince tart, mandarin mousse and sticky figgy loaf. Price: £84pp for traditional or vegetarian afternoon tea with a pot of Fortnum’s Tea Address: 181 Piccadilly, St James's, London W1A 1ER. Book the Fortnum & Mason afternoon tea here. The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, Knightsbridge This festive afternoon tea served at The Carlton Tower Jumeirah until 11 January 2026 is inspired by Cadogan Gardens. It's perfect for a spot of indulgence after a shopping trip. Cosy up in their dedicated tearoom, complete with a warming fire and pastry counter. Start with a selection of sandwiches and savouries including a truffle beignet, lobster tartelette and Norfolk turkey sandwich. Expect the unexpected with the 'Scones Experience', with four different flavours of scones to enjoy. After a quince lollipop palate cleanser, the pastries to finish include a pear tart, chocolate pecan tree and apple bread pudding. The tea is accompanied by a selection of JING teas, chosen for flavour and wellness benefits. £1 from every tea is donated to The Felix Project. Price: from £85pp Address: The Carlton Tower Jumeirah, 1 Cadogan Pl, London SW1X 9PY Book festive afternoon tea at The Carlton tower here. Related reviews and recipes Best afternoon teas in London Best afternoon teas in the UK Best afternoon tea recipes
Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025
Whether you want to stock your cupboards with treats or need a gift for the foodie in your life, these are the most indulgent hampers to buy
Looking for the best Christmas hamper to treat a lucky loved one? Whether you're looking for the ultimate cheese box, a wicker basket full of sweet and savoury treats, we've gathered the best Christmas foodie hampers to buy this year, whether as a treat for yourself or friends and family. Looking for more gifting inspiration? If you've got someone specific to buy for try our specially tailored gift guides for beer enthusiasts, coffee lovers and gin fans. If you fancy making your own gifts this year, we've gathered our best edible gift recipes for delicious homemade presents. Read on for our picks of the best gourmet food hampers for Christmas. Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy at a glance Best unique produce hamper: The Flavours of Oldstead Hamper, £190 Best luxury Christmas hamper: Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper, £130 Best luxury artisan hamper: The Osip Christmas hamper, £165 Best Spanish hamper: Brindisa Indulgence Hamper, £165 Best Christmas breakfast hamper: Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box, £78 Best afternoon tea hamper: British Hamper Company afternoon tea gift basket, £63.97 Best hamper for cider lovers: DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper, £85 Best Cornish hamper: The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper, £23.95 Best hamper for keen gardeners: Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper, £95 Best for Chinese cooking: Poon’s Heritage Hamper, £70 Best Christmas cheese hamper: Paxton & Whitfield 12 Days of Christmas Cheese Hamper, £85 Best Christmas foodie hampers to buy 2025 The Flavours of Oldstead Food Hamper Available from Made in Oldstead (£190) Best unique produce hamper A unique hamper with handmade products featuring seasonal ingredients grown and foraged by Tommy Banks and his team in North Yorkshire, this will keep someone going with delicious treats throughout the festive season. As well as a tomato leaf and lemon verbena candle, there are a selection of seasonal British cheeses like Young Buck, jars of spruce tip honey and red onion chutney, salami, Yorkshire lomo and classics such as beerglazed ham and chicken liver parfait, as well as a homemade beef shin ragu. Available from: Made in Oldstead (£190) Daylesford Organic 12 Days of Christmas Hamper Available from Daylesford Organic (£130) Best luxury Christmas hamper A selection of 12 festive treats to enjoy in the run-up to the big day including sweet and savoury snacks, a log fire candle, Christmas cocktail and the bestselling rosé frizzante sparkling wine. Available from: Daylesford Organic (£130) The Osip Christmas Hamper Available from Maison Osip (£165) Best luxury artisan hamper This hamper delivers a taste of gourmet luxury. A celebration of local producers and artisans from Maison Osip, it is a carefully curated selection of festive treats. The centrepiece is a hefty Christmas pudding, arriving in a ceramic bowl to reuse year after year. There's a wedge of Westcombe cheddar for festive cheeseboards, a bottle of English sparkling wine and a bottled fig leaf negroni – a chic twist on the classic cocktail. Coffee, chocolate from Pump Street Bakery and a tote bag round out the wicker hamper. It's expensive, but each item has been carefully chosen for quality. Available from: Maison Osip (£165) Brindisa Indulgence Hamper Available from Brindisa (£165) Best Spanish hamper Jam-packed with a wealth of luxury Spanish food gifts, from La Solana truffled cheese to Amatller white chocolate coated marcona almonds. The contents would all make brilliant snacks for a gourmet Christmas drinks party. Available from: Brindisa (£165) Ginger Pig Butcher’s Champagne Breakfast Box Available from The Ginger Pig (£78) Best Christmas breakfast hamper Create a festive breakfast of champions with thick-cut streaky and back bacon, sausages and black pudding, homemade rhubarb and blood orange jams, and tomato sauce, all served with a chilled glass of champagne. Available from: The Ginger Pig (£78) British Hamper Company afternoon tea basket Available from British Hamper Company (£63.97) Best afternoon tea hamper This smart hamper from British Hamper Company, delivered in a wicker basket and with every item in signature navy and red packaging, would make a great classic gift for someone with a sweet tooth. There's tins of earl grey and English breakfast tea, a dark and rich fruit cake loaded with nuts and cherries, a jar of strawberry jam and two boxes of biscuits – buttery shortbread or, our favourite, crunchy stem ginger cookies, that are perfect with a cup of tea. It is traditional classics done well for a simple sharing hamper. A personalised gift message can be added to the delivery. Available from: British Hamper Company (£63.97) DukesHill Whisky Cask Cider Savoury Hamper Available from DukesHill (£85) Best hamper for cider lovers Cider fans will love this sumptuous hamper. Inside, discover three bottles of Dukeshill’s rich and warming cider aged in whisky, accompanied by Isle of Mull cheddar and a lavish selection of sliced charcuterie including pastrami, bresaola, lomo and porchetta, plus accompaniments like fig chutney and multi-seed crackers. Available from: DukesHill (£85) The Fruit Scone Cream Tea Hamper Available from Not on the High Street (£23.95) Best Cornish hamper For a taste of the Cornish countryside, this hamper contains everything you need for the perfect Cornish afternoon tea (that's jam then cream). As well as freshly baked scones for four you'll find Rodda's clotted cream, strawberry jam, Cornish tea and two flavours of biscuit. Available from: Not on the High Street (£23.95) Petersham Nurseries Gardening Hamper Available from Petersham Nurseries (£95) Best hamper for keen gardeners A great gift for budding kitchen gardeners that includes a hand trowel and fork, herb and heirloom veg seed collections, and a smart pair of Niwaki gloves. Available from: Petersham Nurseries (£95) Poon’s Heritage Hamper Available from Poon's Pantry (£70) Best for Chinese cooking A striking red box with signature Poon’s artwork, this brings together Bill Poon’s wind-dried meats made from a traditional family recipe with daughter Amy Poon’s signature chilli oil and WO sauce. Available from: Poon's Pantry (£70) Paxton & Whitfield 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' Hamper Available from Paxton & Whitfield (£85) Best Christmas cheese hamper Because Christmas isn't complete without a good selection of cheese. This hamper is a true celebration of artisan cheese and luxurious accompaniments. It includes rich Cropwell Bishop stilton, creamy Aldwych and bakeable Celtic Soft, plus sea salt fudge, Taylors LBV port, spicy chutneys and crispbreads. Available from: Paxton & Whitfield (£85) Related reviews Best baking gifts Best cheese gifts Best vegan hampers and gifts Best advent calendars Best coffee advent calendars Best alcohol advent calendars Best Italian cookbooks Best gifts for cheese lovers Best gifts for foodies Best tea advent calendars Best matcha tea powders
This makes a great breakfast or brunch dish. I have used a lot of Syrian spices and aromas to give this dish our tweak and flavours
Try Imad Alarnab's sumac-cured trout with potato rosti, then check out his roasted curried cauliflower, lemon and cardamom cake, and more Syrian recipes. Sumac-cured trout with potato rosti recipe
Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce
The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede
Try our Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce, then check out our venison stew, venison curry, venison pie, venison steaks, venison burgers and more venison recipes. In this recipe the venison loin is gently rolled in herbs and spices before being wrapped in pancetta, and browned before being roasted. The sharpness of the whiskey cuts through the cream in the sauce, and the mushrooms add depth of flavour. The sauce can be made in advance and swirled around in the pan after the venison has been cooked. I love this served with mashed carrots and swede. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish spice-rubbed loin of venison in pancetta with whiskey sauce recipe
No-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits
I find that no-churn ice creams can taste too sweet so I made this one pretty punchy. The alcohol dilutes the sweetness of the condensed milk and the coffee gives it an intense depth and strength in flavour
Try our no-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits, then check out our our Baileys ice cream, spiced coffee kulfi, iced coffee, iced latte and iced caramel coffee. For another coffee-flavoured dessert, try our espresso martini cake pops. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. No-churn Irish coffee ice cream with hazelnut and chocolate biscuits recipe
Irish roast boned shoulder of pork with rosemary and bay scented apples and spiced apple sauce
Pork and apples are a classic pairing, with the sharp acidity of apples cutting through the richness of the meat. This boneless spare rib is roasted high to get a crisp, crunchy crackling, then low and slow for soft, tender meat
Try our Irish roast boned shoulder of pork with rosemary and bay scented apples and spiced apple sauce, then discover our pork hotpot, roast pork with hasselback potatoes, perfect roast pork belly and more pork recipes. Pork and apples are a classic pairing, with the sharp acidity of apples cutting through the richness of the meat. This boneless spare rib is roasted high to get a crisp, crunchy crackling, then low and slow for soft, tender meat. The boned spare rib (which is cut from the shoulder) has layers of fat running through it, which melt during the cooking process, making the meat incredibly succulent. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish roast boned shoulder of pork with rosemary and bay scented apples and spiced apple sauce recipe
Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns
It’s important to season the trout well otherwise it can taste bland. Always check how hot the chilli is too, as you may not need it all. Serve them with warm toasts so the butter melts and the flavours come out
Try our Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns, then discover potted crab with coronation salad, potted shrimp and more starter recipes. Cook, preserver, baker and author Cherie Denham says: "To truly understand Irish food you need to cook in simplicity, shaped by the land and sea, and passed down through generations. It’s not about fancy techniques or elaborate dishes, it’s about honest, comforting, down-to-earth food made with care and shared with others. "I was brought up on a farm, nestled in County Tyrone in rural N Ireland. My Mummy, Aunties and Grannies cooked with what they had to hand: potatoes pulled from the garden, wild berries gathered from the hedgerows, soda bread fresh from the oven and homemade butter. The press was stocked with homemade jellies and jams made from crab apples and rosehips, damsons, blackberries and strawberries. "The flavours are clean and comforting, and the ingredients aren’t trendy, they’re traditional. Creamy dairy from grass-fed cows, tender lamb, wild Atlantic seafood and earthy root veg. I often went to the local market with mummy on a Wednesday after school if we ran out of vegetables. She’d buy a huge sack of potatoes, a bag of carrots and a few swedes or turnips, as they were called, still all with mud on them. Apples and rhubarb were very popular, and used predominantly to make tarts. Bramley apples have a Protected Geographical Indication in County Armagh, which is affectionately known as The Orchard County. "To cook here is to respect the seasons and surroundings – it’s warming the teapot before pouring the first cup, baking something sweet and welcoming for when guests are due, and always sending them home with a loaf of fresh bread, jar of jam or tin of biscuits. It’s food that brings people together, whether it’s a Sunday dinner, bowl of stew at the kitchen table or cup of tea and soda bread in your hand. Eating and drinking in Ireland is welcoming, unpretentious and full of warmth – whether it’s a pint of Guinness in the local pub or oysters by the sea, the experience is always the same, rooted in place, people and tradition." Recipes extracted from The Irish Kitchen by Cherie Denham (£30, Montgomery Press). Photographs: Andrew Montgomery. Recipes are sent by the publisher and not retested by us. Irish potted trout with chilli, tarragon and pink peppercorns recipe
Inspired by the sherry colada at New York bar Sip & Guzzle, we’ve mixed cream sherry with pineapple soda for this fresh, tropical, highly gluggable highball
Try our sherry highball, then discover our sherry sour, Tiojito sherry cocktail and frozen sherry cobbler cocktail. Also, try more Christmas cocktails. Sherry highball recipe
A Christmassy spin on a classic whisky cocktail, the cream sherry adds extra festive flavours to the drink
Try our sherry whisky sour, then discover our old fashioned, Manhattan, whisky highball, sazerac and more whisky cocktails. Sherry whisky sour recipe
Swedish Janssons frestelse (potato gratin)
Creamy layers of potato, onion, and tangy blue cheese bake into a golden, comforting gratin; it's the perfect indulgent side for a festive feast or a cosy Sunday supper.
Recipe author Sebastian Graus says, "Janssons frestelse translates as Jansson’s temptation and with good reason: layers of potato, onion and cream baked until golden. The classic Christmas version uses pickled sprats but here stilton steps in, adding a punchy blue cheese bite." Try Sebastian's Swedish Janssons frestelse (potato gratin), then check out our perfect roast potatoes, hasselback potatoes, tartiflette and other potato recipes. Swedish Janssons frestelse (potato gratin) recipe
This seriously swanky starter is made with some of my favourite winter produce: tart blood oranges and crisp fennel, doused in a lovely tangy dressing
Try our blood orange, burrata and fennel salad, then discover our Greek salad, wedge salad, goat's cheese salad and Sicilian salad, as well as more fennel recipes. The burrata (as always) steals the show and, to help you get that effortless ooze, just get it out of the fridge an hour before serving. Blood orange, burrata and fennel salad recipe
This really is restaurant-quality food at home. Just don’t tell anyone how easy it is. Ask your butcher for bone-in short ribs and let them braise low and slow in the sauce until they are melt-in-the-mouth tender
Try our red wine braised short ribs, then discover BBQ peanut pork ribs, miso-glazed ribs, lamb ribs and more ribs recipes. You can make these well ahead of time – simply reheat in the sauce before you serve. Eat with creamy polenta and greens. Red wine-braised short ribs recipe
I’m a big fan of cauliflower – I always love to take humble ingredients and make them the star of a dish
Try Imad Alarnab's roasted curried cauliflower, then discover pan-roasted cauliflower steaks, bang bang cauliflower, Gobi Manchurian and more roasted cauliflower recipes. Roasted curried cauliflower recipe
In a new series our trends expert Gurd Loyal shares a recipe that is having a moment online and in the restaurant world – this month a Turkish dumpling with global reach
Try our lamb and hot pepper manti, then discover more Turkish recipes, such as Turkish eggs, Turkish gozleme, Turkish lahmacun, Turkish stuffed peppers and pide. Food and drink trends specialist Gurdeep Loyal says: "Manti are Turkish dumplings stuffed with whose tasty rewards more than warrant the effort – championed by top chefs like Selin Kiazim of Leydi and Hasan ‘Big Has’ Semay. For Özlem Warren, author of Sebze, they are particularly special. 'Manti always brings back fond memories,' she tells me. 'My grandparents, my parents, whoever was around, would gather round the table to join the manti-making ritual at home. Some would prepare the filling, some would stretch the dough, of course with a constant flow of tea, coffee and daily banter.' "The dough is hand-kneaded, rested, then rolled thin before being stuffed and shaped. The most traditional filling in Turkey is a combination of grated onions, minced lamb or beef (or both) and seasonings, shaped into square pyramids. They can be small ravioli-sized or larger dumplings, which are either boiled or steamed. "However, Özlem explains, regionally in Turkey 'we also make vegetarian manti, especially in the north-western part of the country, with a spiced, mashed chickpea and caramelised onion filling, shaped as small boats'. What makes manti especially suitable for a feast are the layers of flavour that come with them, as they’re always served with garlicky yogurt and a spiced oil or butter sauce. Özlem likes 'a mix of olive oil, pepper paste, dried mint, sumac and pul biber in my sauce – it’s a combination that makes manti an irresistible, melt in the mouth flavour sensation'. Her top tips for shaping are to lightly dust your fingers with flour, to seal the ends well and to par-bake the manti before boiling. "Variations on manti are found in Central and West Asia – particularly in Afghani, Uzbek and Armenian cuisines, where they can include ingredients like cabbage and pumpkin, and are often baked until crispy or fried. Head to restaurants like Yeni in Soho to try its manti with dried aubergine and double fermented yogurt; Noshe Afghan restaurant in Cambridge for its beef mantu dumplings on a bed of lentils; and Gözleme House on Green Lanes in London for its Turkish manti with lamb or potato." Lamb and hot pepper manti recipe
Slow roast rotisserie-style chicken with chicken fat potatoes
This uses a classic three-turn method in which the chicken is cooked first on either side, then on its back. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the flesh extra moist
Try out slow roast rotisserie-style chicken with chicken fat potatoes, then discover leftover roast chicken pie, slow-coooked chicken shawarma, healthy roast chicken and more roast chicken recipes. Slow roast rotisserie-style chicken with chicken fat potatoes recipe
Ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne
Make use of any left-over festive cheese and ham in this rich, creamy lasagne. Grate cheddar, gruyère or other hard cheeses, or just crumble in softer cheeses
Try our ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne, then discover our classic lasagne, courgette parmigiana, vegan lasagne and more lasagne recipes. Ham hock, spinach and cheeseboard lasagne recipe
This flourless cake is rich, indulgent and perfect for after dinner. The cake puffs up then falls after baking, creating a delicious fudgy texture. We’ve given it a seasonal makeover, piling it high with chestnut cream, borrowed from the classic Alpine dessert
Try our chocolate truffle cake, then discover chocolate fudge cake, chocolate birthday cake, salted caramel chocolate cake, easy chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake and vegan chocolate cake. Chocolate truffle cake recipe
This Indian-style curry is based on a rogan josh which is often made with mutton. The meat comes from a sheep older than 24 months which gives it a much richer flavour than very young spring lamb
Try our slow-cooked mutton curry, the discover mutton keema, West Indian curried mutton and curried mutton pie. Slow-cooked mutton curry recipe
Small balls of bread dough baked together as a pull-apart loaf, coated in a sticky caramel glaze... perfect for sharing with friends over the Christmas holidays
Try Edd Kimber's sticky toffee monkey bread, then discover his devil's food cake, lemon and lime tart, brown butter blueberry and oat milk chocolate blondies or black and white tahini cookies. Baker, author and first ever Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber says: "Monkey bread is most commonly made in a bundt and make it in all manner of different bakeware. Personally I love making desserts in a cast-iron frying pan so that they’re served straight from the oven. But let’s back up, what is monkey bread? At its simplest it’s small balls of bread dough baked together as a pull-apart loaf, coated in a sticky caramel glaze. In this version this glorious dish is combined with sticky toffee pudding to make something spectacular. To ensure this is as sticky and saucy as the dessert, I make this dish a little differently than the classic method. The caramel-esque brown sugar sauce is not just added to the cast-iron pan and baked with the bread dough – half is reserved and added after baking, giving it a more generous level of sauciness, akin to a sticky toffee. Now you could of course serve the dessert as is but a drizzle of cream or custard would never go amiss." Sticky toffee monkey bread recipe
Support your gut through the indulgent festive season with our nourishing recipes, all picked for their use of gut-healthy ingredients such as miso, sauerkraut, oats and sourdough
Our digestive system really takes a hit at Christmas. With all the alcohol and rich food, it's no wonder so many of us suffer from indigestion during the festive period. This year, why not go for gut-supportive ingredients like miso, sauerkraut, oats and yogurt? These contain beneficial bacteria and probiotics, helping your gut and digestive system to function. To help you and your gut feel better this Christmas, we've picked 18 festive recipes which include gut-supportive ingredients. Enjoy sourdough bread sauce, homemade nut roast, red cabbage kimchi and more. Have a look at all our joyfully delicious Christmas recipes, as well as recipes for kicking off celebrations on Christmas Eve. Next find out how to eat 30 plants a week. Gut-friendly Christmas recipes Brussels sprout sauerkraut Made from fermented cabbage, sauerkraut is easy to digest and is a good source of probiotics. Try making your own while putting seasonal brussels sprouts to use by shredding the veg and mixing with zingy ginger, caraway seeds and peppercorns, then fermenting over a few days for a spiced kraut. Kimchi eggs Kimchi is a great way to keep friendly gut bacteria in check. These punchy fried eggs make a brilliant breakfast to enjoy during the Twixmas period, served on top of toasted rye bread. Healthy turkey stir-fry Sauerkraut adds a delicious tang to this simple turkey stir-fry, balanced with earthy broccoli and mushrooms and zingy fresh ginger. Its coated in a sweet and salty sauce that gives this supper an added kick. Kimchi Time and patience is what you need to make kimchi, a Korean staple of fermented vegetables. This makes a perfectly soothing weekend project and a great way to use up any leftover vegetables hanging about in your fridge. Sticky miso roast sprouts There are so many ways to make the most of sprouts while they're in season –here, they're slicked with miso and zingy lime and roasted until golden and caramelised. Fermented foods, including miso, are thought to help a range of health issues, including digestion and gut health. Shredded Brussels sprouts salad Looking for ways to use up your leftover Brussels sprouts? Check out this fresh and crunchy salad with crispy pancetta and toasted walnuts. Brassica vegetables like sprouts are rich in sulphur, which supports gut health. Spiced pickled shallots Fermented foods, like pickles, contain good bacteria which help support your gut microbiome. For a thoughtful gut-friendly gift, make our spiced pickled shallots. Check out our recipes for pickled beetroot and pickled cherries. Leftover turkey ramen noodles Turn that leftover Christmas turkey into a cosy bowl of ramen, complete with ginger-spiked broth, thick noodles and fresh coriander. Ginger soothes digestive discomfort and relieves nausea. Christmas cheeseboard This glorious spread is perfect for festive parties. It's full of complementary flavours and textures and looks really impressive – plus, it's super easy to prep. Be sure to include fresh figs, as these are especially high in fibre so promote a healthy digestive system. Some cheeses also have probiotic properties, including aged cheddar and gruyère. Browse all our effortless entertaining ideas. Stuffed butternut squash with blue cheese and leeks Butternut squash is impressively high in fibre, which has been linked with improved gut health. Here, it's roasted whole to make a wonderful meat-free centrepiece — the combination of nutty grains, sweet leeks and blue cheese is truly delicious. Next, enjoy butternut squash risotto and more butternut squash recipes. Christmas nut roast We think this is our best ever nut roast – it's packed with smokiness and sweetness from squash, lentils and dates. Your gut will benefit from the lentils, as they're packed with prebiotic fibre. Be inspired by our vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas. Sourdough bread sauce A nice twist on an old classic, this sourdough bread sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your Christmas day feast. Unlike regular white bread, traditional sourdough goes through a slow fermentation process – this means it may be easier to digest. Don't forget to make our boozy cranberry sauce. Crispy spud salad with sauerkraut, ham hock and peas Sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) is not only healthy and good for your gut, but its distinct flavour lifts this simple salad with super crisp potatoes and salty ham. You could even use leftover potatoes. Interestingly, as potatoes cool, they become richer in resistant starch, which causes less gas then other fibres – great for those with a sensitive gut. You'll love our ham hock stew. Turkey curry Delicately spiced with coconut and ginger, this turkey curry is suitable for the whole family. It's a brilliant way to use up leftover cooked turkey and the golden turmeric, a natural anti-inflammatory, may help to soothe your gut. Miso Christmas stuffing Miso adds a deep savoury sweetness to this stuffing. Flecked with pistachios and cranberries (and wrapped in streaky bacon), it's an absolute must on Christmas Day. Red cabbage kimchi Lacto-fermenting is an ancient way of preserving food – the term ‘lacto’ refers to the lactic acid created during the ferment, which increases levels of nutrients and probiotics. Here, it transforms red cabbage into kimchi, great for adding to sandwiches and salads. For another favourite way with leftovers, tuck into our kimchi bubble and squeak cakes. Miso roasted cauliflower, avocado and lentil salad For those days after all the Christmas excess when you find yourself craving something healthy, there's this satisfying salad. Fibre-rich cauliflower is roasted in a miso dressing – also filled with probiotics – and turned into a rustic salad with pickled onions and lentils. It's delicious and great for your gut, too. We've got lots more healthy salads for you to try. Date flapjacks Turn a handful of storecupboard ingredients into an easy bake and keep for moments when you're craving something sweet. Oats are another food that's rich in prebiotic fibres, so contribute to a properly functioning gut. Browse all our bakes using oats.
Velvety, nutty and low-ABV, this sherry flip makes an excellent alternative to eggnog during the festive season
Try our sherry flip, then discover our sherry sour, Tiojito sherry cocktail and frozen sherry cobbler cocktail. Also, try more Christmas cocktails. Sherry flip cocktail
Impress guests over the festive season with our best Christmas baking ideas, from classic mince pies, stollen and Christmas fruit cake to decorated cookies
Looking for the best indulgent Christmas baking recipes? We've got everything from Christmas cookies to classic mince pies, Baileys chocolate tiffin to Christmas cupcakes, plus a crowd-pleasing white chocolate Christmas cake to treat yourself and loved ones during the festive season. We've also got plenty more indulgent Christmas pudding and dessert recipes to serve to your family and friends during the holidays. For quick and easy festive entertaining, check out our no-cook Christmas entertaining ideas, or for fun bakes which mash up festive flavours, check out our Christmas mash-up recipes. Get the big day off to a delicious start with our Christmas breakfast ideas and if you're looking for last-minute present ideas for the foodie in your life, our homemade edible Christmas gifts are sure to bring a smile to their face. Best Christmas baking ideas Bûche de Noël Serve this bûche de noël for a Christmas dessert showpiece. This festive log features layers of chocolate sponge, chantilly cream and chocolate buttercream. Cinnamon biscuits These crisp iced biscuits are flavoured with warming cinnamon and ginger spices. They are sure to fill your kitchen with enticing festive aromas. Buttermint madeleines Edd Kimber reimagines the nostalgic flavour of Murray Mints in these festive madeleines, made with browned butter and finished with a smooth white chocolate shell – perfect for afternoon tea. Classic mince pies It's just not Christmas without a mince pie. Making your own shortcrust pastry is easy, and investing in decent shop-bought mincemeat makes all the difference. Make-ahead Christmas cake Get ahead for Christmas by baking this classic festive fruit cake, covered in marzipan and fondant icing. With gentle spices, citrus flavours and ginger wine, this easy bake is full of flavour and sure to impress a crowd. Classic stollen This gently spiced, festive bake is bursting with dried fruit and marzipan. A great homemade gift or afternoon pick-me-up. Baileys cake A real showstopper of a cake, this three-tiered beauty is all dark chocolate and Baileys Irish Cream. It's perfect for an impressive Christmas dessert. Vegan gingerbread men Enjoy some festive nostalgia with a batch of vegan gingerbread men. They're easy to bake and fun to decorate. Stollen bites Make these pretty stollen bites for a fun Christmas baking project – you can use any mixed dried fruit, such as cranberries, sour cherries or apricots. Gingerbread cupcakes These moreish spiced cupcakes are great fun to make over the festive season for the whole family. Vegan Christmas cake Everyone will enjoy a slice of this Christmas cake, which can be baked and matured up to eight weeks before Christmas. Feed the cake weekly with your choice of brandy, rum or whisky for extra moisture and a warming flavour. Stollen buns The marzipan and dried fruit in stollen are quintessential Christmas flavours, reworked here into a snowball-like bun by London's Fortitude Bakehouse. Gluten-free chocolate fudge cake Turn your hand to baking this festive chocolate fudge cake this Christmas, which just happens to be gluten free. Cozonac Bake this sweet Christmas bread from Prestige Patisserie in Tottenham this Christmas. It’s studded with raisins, nuts, chocolate and Turkish delight and infused with rum. Pistachio and cherry nougat pandoro Cut corners by assembling this impressive festive centrepiece with shop-bought pandoro – it’s a bake which will get everyone in the festive spirit. Gingerbread pie Bake this glorious gingerbread pie, showcasing a blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice, for a Christmas bake that’s designed to impress. Chocolate panettone We've given this sweet Italian bread a decadent twist with dark chocolate – the perfect treat to serve visitors over the festive season. Tiramis-czhoux tower You can guarantee friends and family haven’t come across this hybrid before, where balls of choux pastry are stuffed with coffee-drenched ladyfingers and boozy pastry cream. Christmas lamingtons Give lamingtons a festive makeover in this recipe from Morny Bakehouse, with white chocolate icing, a cherry yuzu jam centre and a buttercream crown. Christmas pavlova Individual pavlovas are filled with caramelised pineapple, topped with vanilla-infused cream and finished with a passionfruit coulis. This is a truly showstopping dessert by Covent Garden restaurant, Ave Mario. Christmas tart Fill a shop-bought tart case with brandy-soaked dried fruit and two types of almond for an effortless festive dessert, best eaten with brandy butter. Pandoro semifreddo This easy yet standout pandoro recipe is sure to bring the wow factor to any Christmas table. The chocolate and amaretto semifreddo is all encased in an Italian pandoro bread and topped with a crown of crunchy pistachios. Ecclefechan tarts A must-try alternative to festive mince pies, flavoured with very strong tea, grape molasses and brown butter. Christmas crumble Expand your Christmas repertoire with this festive take on your fave pud. Use up left-over mincemeat – jarred or homemade – for extra flavour. Lebkuchen Honey-sweetened German treats spiced with cinnamon and ginger, lebkuchen are famously festive biscuits. Bake a batch this winter to really get into the Christmas market spirit. Vegan raspberry and lemon trifle Impress your guests with this classic layered dessert. The easy homemade custard uses vanilla-flavoured soya milk and gives a traditional flavour and colour to the custard. Caribbean rum cake This decadent and boozy cake from Caribbean chef Keshia Sakarah is fed with spiced rum and traditionally served during the festive season. Panforte This Italian dessert is popular during the festive season. Chewy, nutty and sweet, it's packed with pistachios, almonds and dried fruits. Florentines A great little Christmas treat to bake at home. Hang them from ribbons as an edible Christmas tree decoration or stack them on a plate and enjoy with a comforting cup of tea over the festive season. Christmas fudge Check out this festive gingerbread fudge that takes just a few minutes to prepare. You can easily double the recipe to make two batches, so you have plenty for gifting. Christmas biscuits Looking for a foodie festive activity to do with children? Our spiced Christmas biscuits make perfect edible decorations to hang from your tree or mantle. You can leave them out for Santa or wrap them up as a gift, the possibilities are endless! Rum and raisin cake Stir up this make-ahead Christmas cake with a spiced, boozy twist and your kitchen will be filled with alluring, festive smells. Chocolate yule log Need a show-stopping dessert recipe to impress guests over the Christmas period? Check out our indulgent festive yule log with a boozy Baileys cream and crunchy hazelnut brittle, the perfect festive bake. Baileys chocolate tiffin Looking for an easy edible gift to give friends over the festive season? Check out these indulgent chocolate tiffins with our favourite Christmas drink in solid chocolate form. You don’t have to include the edible glitter but it does give added bling. Check out our other Baileys recipes here. Christmas cupcakes Looking for Christmas treats to bake? Soak up the cuteness of our melted chocolate snowmen cupcakes. These easy-to-make cupcakes are great fun to bake with the whole family and make for quick and easy Christmas party food. Street cart soft pretzels Soft yet slightly chewy, with a dark golden skin from being boiled before baking, these pretzels are slow-fermented for a richly flavoured dough. Finish with fat crystals of salt. Indonesian pandan, raspberry and white chocolate blondies Pandan and raspberries give a colourful and festive edge to these blondies, while the tartness offsets the sweet white chocolate perfectly. White snowball cake Need a show-stopping cake to serve family and friends over the festive season? Check out our indulgent white chocolate Christmas cake recipe. It might not be snowing outside, but one bite of this cake and you'll feel like you're in a winter wonderland. Filled with coconut and covered in white chocolate, it's sweet and indulgent. Sour cherry stollen bars Looking for Christmas treats to bake? Jazz up your stollen this Christmas with our easy sour cherry flavoured bars. The ingredients list may look lengthy but it’s all about building up the textures and flavours to make this the most moreish bar ever – way better than regular stollen. Check out our best cherry recipes here. Snowball madeleines Give the English madeleine a festive spin by infusing with the flavours of a classic snowball cocktail. After Eight cake This showstopping cake is a glorious combination of chocolate and mint that makes an excellent dessert for a festive party. White chocolate cranberry cheesecake blondies Make your blondies extra special with a festive sprinkling of cranberry flavour and a swirl of decadent cheesecake filling. White Christmas cake Want a show-stopping easy Christmas bake? Check out our super light vanilla cake, an easy alternative to serve on Christmas Day in place of a normal fruit cake. In order to keep the colour as white as possible, use a very light-coloured butter such as Lurpak or keep beating the butter until it lightens in colour. Looking for other show-stopping cake recipes? Click here. Mexican chocoflan This festive flan cake, featuring chocolate, caramel and cinnamon, is known as 'flan imposible' and combines two popular Mexican desserts. Black cake Make this classic Caribbean as a Christmas cake alternative – featuring port, dark rum and dried fruits, it's rich and decadent (and amazing at Christmas). Black forest gateau Turn the clock back with our nostalgic black forest cake with a modern twist. Christmas rocky road Traditional digestives are swapped for ginger biscuits, whilst cranberries and pistachios add some festive colour in this crowd-pleasing Christmas rocky road. Whisky crumble mince pies We've added a splash of booze and morello cherries to this classic Christmas treat and topped with buttery crumble for extra indulgence. Moldavian layered pie with hemp cream Traditionally made on Christmas Eve in Eastern Romania, this pie sees layers of flatbread soaked in a honey syrup and spread with a hemp seed filling. Rum and almond fruit cake Want an easy fruit cake with no fuss? Impress your guests this Christmas and jazz up your cake with rum and a simple almond buttercream. Make it now or save the recipe to whip up an easy Christmas baking idea. Nepali spiced fruit and nut tart Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger give this nutty tart a real festive edge. With a kick of spiced rum, it's a grown-up dessert that's perfect for Christmas. Baileys truffles Treat someone special this Christmas with these melt-in-the-mouth chocolate truffles with a boozy kick from Baileys cream. Gluten-free mince pies Christmas baking, gluten-free style. These boozy mince pies with meringue tops don't compromise on flavour or texture, plus they look impressive, too. Boozy mincemeat pie Want a boozy pie to feed a crowd over the festive season? Our elegant recipe turns the humble mince pie into a fantastic Christmas dessert. Use shop-bought shortcrust pastry and a good-quality mincemeat to save time. Finish with a dusting of silvery icing sugar. Click here for other exciting sweet pie recipes... Chocolate-dipped honeycomb Looking for easy edible gifts for Christmas treats to bake at home? Ready in 20 minutes, our quick and super fun honeycomb recipe is dipped in dark, milk and white chocolate, the perfect Christmas treat for someone with a sweet tooth. Try one of our other edible gift ideas here... Russian honey cake Check out our impressive Russian cake recipe with moreish burnt-honey icing. This layer cake takes a bit of effort to make but it's the perfect cake to show off to friends and family for any special occasion over the festive season. This Russian honey cake recipe is created by original GBBO winner and expert baker Edd Kimber. Baileys fudge Homemade fudge is a great little sweet treat for Christmas. Perfect with coffee to finish off a meal or as an energy booster, it keeps for up to a month in an airtight container. Plus we've got an easy how-to video and it only requires 4 ingredients, the perfect festive bake. Spiced rum bamkuchen Present this show-stopping dessert on Christmas Day for an impressive festive bake, packed with golden marzipan and dark rum. Slice it open to reveal the many layers which will wow your guests. It might take a bit of time to prepare, but it's worth the effort! Try more of our boozy cake and bakes here. Clementine yoghurt cake Move over Christmas fruit cake, our gluten free festive clementine cake is in town and it's zesty and super moist. Slice it up and watch everyone come running for a piece of this fruity and sweet, yogurty deliciousness. Mini Viennese mince pies How do you make mini mince pies taste even better? Add even more buttery goodness with a Viennese swirl biscuit topping, zesty oranges and boozy amaretto of course! Cranberry and ginger tiffin Make this simple, indulgent tiffin to treat someone you love this Christmas. You can swap the white chocolate for dark or milk – go for the recipient’s favourite. The cranberry and ginger flavours really lift the buttery biscuit. Ready in only 30 minutes. Gingerbread Advent cookies Looking for fun Christmas baking ideas? Make your own edible Advent calendar with our quick and easy gingerbread cookie recipe. The kids can eat them one day at a time or all at once! We have more biscuit recipes here. White chocolate roulade with Baileys Treat your loved ones to a great dessert with this luxurious festive bake made with white chocolate and Baileys. It's easy to make and requires very little effort – prepare it next time you host a festive dinner party. Chocolate, hazelnut and cinnamon kugelhupf Kugelhupf is a light Christmas cake similar to brioche or baba and is popular in central Europe. This version is made with chocolate, hazelnut and cinnamon, a great alternative to the traditional British Christmas cake recipe. Plus, it's easy to make, too. Christmas muffins These tangerine and marzipan muffins are easy to make and ready in under an hour – serve with an afternoon cup of tea or for an indulgent festive breakfast treat.