Genius

MAKES 1 PREP 1 hr plus overnight drying MORE EFFORT old newspapersquare piece of ironedcotton fabric (about80cm x 80cm)1 potatosmall, sharp knifemarker penkitchen paperpaintbrushacrylic fabric paintsg

These delightful little gingerbread houses will perch perfectly on the edge of your mug. Try them with hot chocolate or mulled wine for adults. MAKES 8 PREP 30 mins plus cooling COOK 10 mins MORE EFFO

MAKES 2 (SERVES 16) PREP 30 mins plus overnight soaking and cooling COOK 1 hr 50 mins EASY V 200g dried sour cherries200g raisins150g sultanas100g mixed peel300ml cherry brandy, plus extrafor feeding2

Q My kids say their packed lunches are boring. Do you have any tips for cheap ways to improve them? A Consider keeping a selection of different types of bread in your freezer, such as pittas and bagel

In this classic and fairly simple fudge, the ginger cuts through the sweetness of the white chocolate but, if you like, you could add a wee pinch of salt to the mix, too. Crystallised ginger works bes

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