Make it modern

MAKES 16-20 pieces PREP 20 mins plus 3 hrs chilling COOK 8 mins EASY 50g butter, plus extra for the tin400g blonde white chocolate (or use500g regular white chocolate),broken into pieces100g white cho

■ Makes 2 cakes (serves 16) ■ Prep 30 mins plus overnight soaking and cooling ■ Cook 1 hr 20 mins 200g dried sour cherries200g raisins150g sultanas100g mixed peel300ml cherry brandy250g unsalted butte

IN LIEU OF A TRADITIONAL DESSERT, TRY ONE OF HELEN’S FESTIVE ALTERNATIVES

Christmas desserts should always take on an element of glamour. Just like the glad rags we don for every festive party, bakes deserve to get an extra dose of fabulousness this time of year. For my Chr

SERVES 18-20 PREP 2 hrs plus cooling, 2 hrs 45 mins chilling and 2 hrs setting COOK 45 mins MORE EFFORT V 325g unsalted butter, softened,plus extra for the tin300g dark chocolate chips orchopped dark

Chestnuts provide sweet, earthy flavour and a nutty texture that works beautifully with the chocolate and stem ginger. SERVES 8 PREP 25 mins plus overnight soaking COOK 2 hrs 30 mins EASY ❄ 150g sulta