Chocolate & pear cake

A decadent sponge with moist pears and crunchy nuts, topped with a soured cream and dark chocolate frosting

Easy Christmas pudding

A classic light, spiced Christmas pudding – so simple you don't even need any kitchen scales

Mini mincemeat crumble pies

Red grapes add moistness to these mince pies with a quirky crumble topping

Carrot, courgette & orange cakes

Turn a garden glut into something amazing with this delicious, moist cake and freeze one for later too

Fruity simnel squares

This easy twist on the classic fruit sponge makes plenty of squares – all decorated with marzipan eggs

Gingered rich fruit cake

This traditional cake has been jazzed up with lots of ginger – you’d never know it’s gluten-free and dairy-free. Perfect for weddings and Christmas

Tomato consommé with Lancashire cheese on toast

Lisa Allen, head chef at Michelin-starred restaurant Northcote, uses the best local ingredients for this elegant soup

Stollen buns

These sticky buns really capture the taste of Christmas and are great for sharing with friends and neighbours

Crispy Mongolian lamb

Braise lamb breast with aromatics then grill until crisp and serve with noodles for a cheap but chic meal for two

Nutty apple streusel cake

With slices of British Cox’s apples and a crunchy nut topping, this cake is a winner

Spicy Thai fish kebabs

Perfect for a light supper or lunch

Duck breasts with redcurrant & onion relish

A simple homemade relish really makes this dish really special, complementing the duck to perfection