Cherry

Super easy, Make it ahead You can use fresh cherries for this recipe. Just be sure to remove the stones before placing them in the batter. Don’t be tempted to add the eggs to the chocolate mixture while it’s still hot – the eggs will cook and spoil the recipe. Note

Kid friendly, easier than it looks You can prepare the jelly layer and make the custard up to 2 days ahead. The choc-dipped cherries can be made up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place. We added cornflour to the custard to stabilise it and prevent it […]

Replace almond meal in filling with pistachio meal by processing 1 1/3 cups shelled pistachios until ground. Replace cherries with a 410g can drained and chopped pear halves. Note

Try using different types of jam. To add more fibre, use seeded wholemeal bread. Note

Use any combination of dried fruit and nuts. Note

For extra zing, add 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest to butter mixture. Use frozen raspberries instead of cherries, if you like. Note

To melt chocolate in the microwave, place it in a small, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high (100%) power in 30-second bursts, stirring, until melted and smooth. Only whip the ganache until it just changes colour. If you over-whip, it will separate and go grainy. Note

While working, cover pastry with plastic food wrap and a damp tea-towel. You can make strudels ahead and bake just before serving. Note

For a simple icing, spread cake with vanilla frosting and drizzle with cherry conserve. Note

To make chocolate shavings, run a vegie peeler along the length of a block of chocolate. Note

Chocolate rollettes are mini chocolate sponge rolls; if unavailable, you can use regular mini sponge rolls. Note

You could use lime zest and juice instead of lemon. Note

Melt chocolate in the microwave on High (100%) in 30-second bursts, stirring, until melted and smooth. Use any remaining cherries in smoothies, cocktails or popsicles. Try thawed butter pastry instead. Note

This Queen of puddings recipe is as indulgent as it is retro - with creamy custard, cake and cherry berry jam topped with soft, chewy and golden meringue.

Take care when stirring milk and cream into sugar syrup as the mixture may splatter. Mixture will become hard. Stir it over heat to melt the toffee. Note

You’ll need a 1-litre (4-cup) resealable heatproof glass jar for cherries. To sterilise jar: Wash in hot soapy water; rinse in hot water. Dry in a slow oven. Fill while hot. Pickle cherries for 1 week before using to allow flavour to develop. Note

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in cheesecake. Note

Make a large meringue instead of individual ones. Cooking time will vary. Note

For an adults-only version, add 2 tablespoons kirsch to syrup. Note

Use strawberry jam instead of fig, and desiccated coconut instead of shredded. No wanton wrappers? Use flour tortillas cut into triangles. Cooking time and price will vary. Note

Use a pinch of ground turmeric instead of saffron. Paneer is afresh firm cheese used in Indian cooking. If unavailable, use well-drained fresh ricotta and 1/4 cup yogurt. No pomegranate? Use pomegranate juice instead. Colour may vary. Note

To avoid a lumpy or stringy mixture, make sure the dissolved gelatine and custard mixtures are at the same temperature before combining. For best results, chill overnight. Pannacotta is also delicious served with fresh berries. Note

Remove cherry stones using a cherry pitter, or halve cherries and pop out stone with the tip of a knife. Note

Use cream cheese in place of ricotta, if preferred. Note

Makes about 20 Keep the condensed milk at room temperature for easy mixing. You can crush the biscuits in a food processor. Note

Just because you don't eat gluten doesn't mean you have to miss out on Christmas treats - try this delicious glace fruit cake.

Biscuits will be soft when removed from oven, but will harden on cooling. Note

White Christmas

Toast almonds by tossing in a dry frying pan over medium heat. Cover surfaces with plastic wrap when refreezing, to prevent ice crystals from forming. To ensure definition, it’s important that each layer is allowed to become very firm before adding the next. Note

For a touch of indulgence, serve sprinkled with grated Nestle Plaistowe 70% Cocoa. A good make-ahead dessert for dinner parties or an informal lunch. Note

Placing patty pans on hot trays will help to cook the base of the tarts. You can use berries in place of the cherries and any sort of nut you like. Store cooled tarts in an airtight container. Note

An easy way to test when chutney is ready is to draw a line across the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, if the gap doesn’t fill up with excess liquid, the chutney is ready. Note

Use frozen cherries if fresh are unavailable. MAKES 12 Note

Cornflour stabilises the custard so it won’t split over high heat. Note

MAKES 4 Canned, fresh or frozen fruit can be used, but remember to drain all canned fruit well before using. Note

Remove cherry stones by using the tip of a cherry pitter, or by slicing off cheeks and ends. Note

Chill cake 10-15 minutes if you have time, to make it easier to serve. If liked, heat syrup from cherries with a little extra kirsh or brandy on low. Blend 1 teaspoon arrowroot with a little water to form a paste and mix into syrup. Heat gently until simmering and thickened. Drizzle over cake when […]

Store biscuits in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Note

Cherry ripe lovers will fall in love with this incredibly indulgent and scrumptious no-bake cherry ripe slice, making this the perfect afternoon treat to share with friends and family.

Heating the oven tray helps to cook the pastry base better. For best result, keep pastry ingredients cool. Note

To freeze the untopped cheesecake, wrap it in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Note

Stir jam a little while cooking, to help prevent it from sticking. Sterilise jars easily by rinsing and baking in a moderate oven, 180°C, 10 minutes. Remove and cover with a clean tea towel. Note

Reserve some cherry syrup and heat on medium, stirring for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then drizzle over cherries. Note

Replace canned cherries with 400g can pie apple or 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries. Note

What makes this one of the most sumptuous Christmas puddings is the use of fresh cherries, which come into season in December.

Try canned sliced apples or frozen mixed berries instead of cherries. You can bake cake in a 23cm square cake pan; bake cake base for 35 minutes. Note

Try frozen mixed berries instead of cherries. Note

Topped with crunchy toasted oats, these layered yoghurt and cherry parfaits are a quick, delicious and healthy dessert. You can add a handful of slivered almonds to the toasted oats for extra crunch if you like.

There's no need to restrict baked ham to Christmas, this cherry-glazed baked ham makes a magnificent centrepiece for any party or celebration.

If you're dreaming of satisfying your craving for chocolate, why not try these delectable chocolate and cherry puddings. Serve them piping hot from the oven with a generous scoop of good quality vanilla ice-cream.

Don't be afraid of the soufflé! If you use room temperature eggs, fold in the ingredients gently and bake on the bottom shelf of the oven, you'll be well on your way to a restaurant quality, sophisticated dessert.

This coconut cherry slice manages to be just a little bit posh while at the same time packing a delicious chocolatey punch. Enjoy with your afternoon coffee or tea.

A classic baked cheesecake topped with divine liqueur cherries, and drizzled liberally with their sauce, makes a wonderful dessert and a great afternoon tea treat.

Back in 1792, two Carmelite nuns dubbed the "Macaron Sisters" baked and sold macarons to pay for their lodgings. Over 200 years later, our love affair with these almond delights continue. These chocolate and cherry macarons are beautiful served with hot espresso.

Full of hazelnuts, walnuts and cherries, this easy fridge slice makes a decadent treat with tea or coffee.

Scones are best made on the day of serving. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in oven, wrapped in foil. Not suitable to microwave. You could substitute the double cream for clotted cream or whipped thickened cream. Note

Keeping time: 3 days. Note

Impress your dinner guests with these elegant cherry and chocolate soufflés.

This cake is almost a cross between a mousse and a fallen soufflé. It’s a wonderfully impressive cake to present for dessert or with tea and coffee.

The parfait can also be made in a 10.5cm x 23.5cm (4-inch x 9½-inch) terrine or loaf pan; grease, then line the base and sides with baking paper, extending the paper over two long sides. serving suggestion Serve with extra raspberries and cherries. You will need to start this recipe a day ahead. Note

Cover macaroons with foil halfway through baking time if fruit on top starts to brown. You need about 50g (1½ ounces) of each glacé fruit. Note

Drambuie is a whisky-based liqueur infused with honey, spices and herbs. Soaking the fruit in the liqueur adds depth and richness to these divine cakes.

Cherry mixture can be made a day ahead; refrigerate in an airtight container. Lemon curd is available from supermarkets Note

Served with warm custard, these chocolate and cherry puddings would add the perfect finishing touch to a dinner party.

For a sweet and satisfying treat, try a slice of this moist cherry and orange loaf, delicious served with a dollop of yoghurt or cream.

The fruit needs to stand overnight before starting the recipe. You can swap the dark rum with brandy or sweet sherry, if you like. This cake is overflowing with cherries and currants rather than the typical variety of mixed fruit. Note

These rich, fruity chocolate cherry meringue desserts are like little trifles with their layers of chocolate cake, custard, cherries and meringue.

The Weekly's Top 10 cakes — Number 9

Coconut oil is a solidified oil sold in jars and is available from major supermarkets and health food stores. Melt coconut oil as you would butter, either in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Cherries are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants. While fresh is best, if they […]