Mix ‘n’ match to make Christmas baking easy

Dare I mention the ‘C’ word in October? I’d prefer if it were banned until a week before December 25, but while I indulge in a little bah-humbug, I admit certain preparations need to take place weeks before we celebrate the high feast of retail.

Nervous excitement, however, is setting in this year at the prospect of stirring up a Christmas cake, probably round rather than square, and giving it adequate time to mature.

This is the result of a developing love affair with the baking bowl, which means a weekend date has seen me produce heady aromas of banana bread and tea brack in my kitchen, and even taking a chance on some warm lemon and raspberry individual cheesecakes.