Baking biscuits is definitely a winter activity, especially during the Christmas season. We love the scent of freshly baked goods that circulate the house and boost our festive spirit. If you are looking for inspirational baking ideas, you should try Christmas Almond and Strawberry Biscuits. They are delicious and delicate, very easy to make and can be made in any size and shape. Use any fruit jam you like: strawberry and raspberry jam have red festive colour, however orange jam with a pinch of ginger and orange zest smells very Christmassy. Find the recipe here…

Picota cherries are underrated and often chosen to sell as a "value" option because they are smaller, uglier and without stalks. But I do enjoy these firm cherries with big stones from the Jerte Valley in Extremadura in Spain because are always perfectly ripe, juicy and extremely sweet. They make an ideal clafoutis, fantastic summer soups, great gazpacho, crumbles, pies, amazing jams and confitures. When these summer berries are in season - only 6 weeks of the year, I make Picota Cherries Confitures which have a beautiful burgundy colour and sweet flavour with a hint of bitterness. They are delicious and can be a perfect substitute for the strawberry jam at the afternoon tea. Find the recipe here…

Seville oranges are perfect for marmalade because are rich in pectin and very aromatic. Thick skinned, sour like a lemon with a high level of bitterness fruits are grown in Seville and Malaga in southern Spain and available in the UK only for a few weeks in a year - from mid-January to February. I read they are currently harvested in Spain from November onwards so maybe you can spot them somewhere before Christmas.  I usually use the oranges which are close at hand now - Navellina or Navel are most common in shops. But whichever oranges you choose, homemade marmalade made from fresh fruits is always a treat. Find the recipe here...