Feed the fruitcake

THIS MONTH Christmas cake

If your cheese biscuits have gone soft, pop them into a hot oven for a few minutes to refresh and crisp them up again. They will firm up as they cool. Sprouts are an integral part of Christmas, but ma

Follow our easy plan to get your feast on the table in record time, with just one oven! 1-4 WEEKS BEFORE… Make/prep and freeze: Vol-au-vent casesCheesy leek and butternutsquash pieCranberry sauceHasse

Roast goose, sticky sprouts, gingerbread trifle – Skye McAlpine’s festive recipes are truly scrumptious

Why not make this year’s Christmas cake in a slow cooker? You’ll save on energy costs and be rewarded with a delicious cake that’s full of plump dried fruit and cherries. SERVES 18-20 PREP 15 minsplus

Ingredients (Serves 6) ◆ 600ml milk ◆ 1 small onion, peeled and halved ◆ 3-4 cloves ◆ 1 bay leaf ◆ 1 star anise (optional) ◆ Approx. 150g fresh breadcrumbs ◆ Knob of butter ◆ Pinch of ground allspice