Packages of sweet surprises

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

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

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

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

Make something delicious for the weekend with these sweet, simple recipes