Ok so I know it isn’t quite yet December but that is what is so brilliant about this tip..

Make your mince pies now, then freeze them, you don’t even need to cook them yet. Put the pretty little pies in the freezer in their tray and once frozen, divide up into bags of two- four.

Then during December you can be smug in the knowledge that at any dinner party you have, pudding is already in the freezer. Or even afternoon tea with some mulled wine, totally my favourite with some Christmas Carols in the background.

With the mince pies, take them out of the freezer and pop them straight into a hot oven, around 180 degrees, for 15-20 minutes, checking after 15 mins as each oven varies with its speed of cooking (may take longer depending on how big you made your mince pies). Before serving sprinkle with caster sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream or brandy butter.