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

Makes nine mince pies or one large wreath ...

We eat around 2pm, starting with foie gras and sweet Monbazillac wine – a throwback to when we lived in Paris. Then, we move to the Sri Lankan part: biryani, chocolate biscuit pudding, before Sri Lank

Take the stress out of the proceedings and let your kitchen appliances do all the hard work

It’s not a party without an all-star buffet line-up…

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