Merry Christmas, everyone! I’ve done a whole load of baking over the last couple of months, mostly the usual – rock cakes, triple chocolate chip cookies, and the ol’ festive gingerbread. Didn’t bother to take pictures of any of those this year.

I’ve just finished my first ever Christmas Cake, though – a pretty dark, strong fruit cake, cooked with brandy and then soaked in a little more as it came out the oven. After sitting a week for the booze to dry off, it’s been covered with a layer of marzipan (almond paste) and then covered with royal icing. Struggled with the icing a bit, but I’m quite happy with how it’s come out.