“I’ve lost count of the number of people who’ve told me they don’t like traditional fruit cake at Christmas, but I hardly know anyone who doesn’t love a sponge made with ground almonds. If you’re one of those people, I’m going to tempt you with some flavours: how does citrus and rosemary with clementine buttercream strike you? Or cardamom cake with orange blossom buttercream? Or chocolate and ginger with sweet sherry buttercream? With this cake, you choose the flavour (and size) you like best. I defy anyone not to find a combination they love. The light covering of icing creates a wintry silver birch effect and the elegant decorations top it off in style.”
REBECCA SMITH, FOOD EDITOR