The secret of the amazing flavour of this cake lies in the long process of maturing and only natural ingredients such as honey and spices. I prepare the dough on stir-up Sunday and let it sit in the fridge for almost a month. After the long rest, the cake is baked, sprinkled with Amaretto Liqueur,  dressed up with layers of plum jam and marzipan, tightly wrapped, and left in the fridge for another week. Just prior to the festivities or one day before Christmas, Polish Traditional Gingerbread Cake needs only a shiny coat of chocolate ganache. Find the recipe here….

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…

This recipe can be used for any summer berries which are currently in season. You can use fresh strawberries, blueberries, sour cherries or raspberries – anything you are fond of this summer. I’ve chosen Picota cherries as they are available in markets for only a few weeks a year so I want to enjoy them as long as I can this summer. Quick breakfast jam goes well with fresh bread, French baguette or bread roll but believe me, crumpets topped with this fresh jam and a dash of Crème Fresh taste divine. 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...