Get ahead for christmas recipe for success

■ Makes 2 cakes (serves 16) ■ Prep 30 mins plus overnight soaking and cooling ■ Cook 1 hr 20 mins 200g dried sour cherries200g raisins150g sultanas100g mixed peel300ml cherry brandy250g unsalted butte

MAKES 16-20 pieces PREP 20 mins plus 3 hrs chilling COOK 8 mins EASY 50g butter, plus extra for the tin400g blonde white chocolate (or use500g regular white chocolate),broken into pieces100g white cho

Use whatever Christmas sprinkles you like for decorating these pies. MAKES 12 PREP 40 mins plus cooling, setting and 30 mins chilling COOK 20 mins EASY ❄ uncooked pastry only 300g vegetarian mincemeat

THIS MONTH Christmas cake

Why not make this year’s Christmas cake in a slow cooker? You’ll save on energy costs and be rewarded with a delicious cake that’s full of plump dried fruit and cherries. SERVES 18-20 PREP 15 minsplus

SERVES 8-10 PREP 20 mins plus cooling and 1 hr macerating COOK 45 mins EASY 200g butter, softened, plus extrafor the tin200g golden caster sugar4 eggs200g self-raising flour1 tsp baking powder2 tbsp m