Christmas star

SERVES 6-8 PREP 35 mins plus 2 hrs cooling COOK 3 hrs 30 mins MORE EFFORT V 4 clementines or satsumas, peeled,pith removed and cut into thinrounds crosswise25g shelled pistachios, chopped25g dark choc

■ Serves 8 ■ 20 mins plus 1 hr chilling ■ Cook 5 mins 50g frozen mixed berries4 tbsp golden caster sugar4 tbsp crème de cassisabout 250g madeira cake, sliced250g mascarpone500g fresh custard2 tsp vani

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

MAKES 36 PREP 20 mins plus overnight setting COOK 35 mins MORE EFFORT V 300g green shelled pistachios2 tsp flavourless oil, such assunflower oil1 tbsp cornflour1 tbsp icing sugar2 x 20cm square sheets

Ingredients (Makes 12) 200 g plain chocolate50 g unsalted butter225 g light or Genoa-style fruitcake, crumbled2 tsp mixed spice12 plastic lolly sticks50 g white chocolate chips25 g green coloured read

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