Figs (Ficus carica) The fruit of the fig is borne from a deciduous tree that has scented leaves; the fruit can be used fresh or dried....

These fabulously spiced cookies will bring the smell of Yule to your kitchen! 270g/9.5 oz plain/all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking...

Ever since I was a small child I have had an advent calendar each year. The ones I remember were card pictures with small doors that...

Looking around for some Tomtes/Gonks/Gnomes/whatever name you call them by. I wanted something hand made, and am far to lacking in...

Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) Those suspicious looking brown wrinkled things you get at Yule (no not grandma…). Sweet fruits from the...

Simple ingredients that make the most amazing sweet treats! 200g/7 oz chocolate (must be at least 50% cocoa solids) 150ml/5 fl oz double...

Chestnut (sweet) (Castanea var.) A deciduous tree the sweet chestnut produces spiky seed pods that hold the ‘fruit’ inside not to be...

Clove (Eugenia carophyllus, Syzygium aromaticum, Caryophyllus aromaticus) One of my favourite scents and flavours, cloves are gown on a...

Star Anise (Illicum verum) An ancient herb, the star shape seeds of Star Anise come from an evergreen shrub and the seedpods are picked...

Barm cakes are actually a bread roll or a bap. Made from white or wholemeal flour they are soft rolls. Barm is an old Lancashire (UK)...