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,

■ TO PREP 15 mins ■ TO COOK 30 mins ■ SERVES 4 YOU WILL NEED ✔ 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil ✔ 2 leeks, finely sliced ✔ 2 celery sticks, finely chopped ✔ 500g potatoes, peeled and diced ✔ 1 bay leaf ✔

The days between Christmas and New Year’s Eve lend themselves to casual get-togethers centred around sharing plates – plus a showstopping treat or two

SERVES 6-8 Ingredients 2kg unsmoked bonelessgammon joint, tied2 onions, halved4 bay leaves10 black peppercorns2 litres cola For the glaze 1 handful of cloves 4 tbsp runny honey 4 tbsp English mustard

Missed out on Stir-up Sunday? This traditional Christmas cake can be ready in an afternoon, with no need for multiple feeds

These puds from Jane’s Patisserie are packed with festive flavours