SERVES 8-10 PREP 10 mins plus cooling and setting COOK 2 hrs 45 mins EASY V 1kg mixed dried fruit 1 lemon, zested and juiced 150ml sherry, plus 3 tbsp 250g butter 200g light muscovado sugar 150g plain

Ingredients (Serves 8) 65 g ready-to-eat dried apricots, chopped 65 g ready-to-eat dried figs, chopped 75 g ready-to-eat dried prunes, chopped 65 g Maraschino or glacé cherries, halved Half an orange,

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This easy, stylish decoration is quick to achieve, and you can adapt the sugarpaste colour and sprinkles to your taste. Once iced, the decorating takes just minutes.

Cheeseboard mince pies For a savoury twist on the classic mince pie, work sharp cheddar into the pastry – it pairs wonderfully with the rich, fruity mincemeat. Serve this warm, ideally with a glass of

Add some glitz to your Christmas Eve soirée or NYE party with our carefully chosen cocktails and canapés