BBC Good Food

01 October 2008

"Started doing this years ago when I first see the recipe and it is delicious (almost as tasty as the man himself!) I put grated block coconut in with mine to make it extra creamy and even add a little more chilli and my kids love it. I also use preboiled, halved baby new potatoes as well. It makes it go further and I think makes it taste better. I have mine with Tilda basmati and wild rice, and the obligatory naan bread and a homemade yoghurt dip."

01 October 2008

"I cook this every year since first seeing the recipe in the magazine years ago. I detest the usual over sweet, over rich christmas cake and so always went without. But since doing this, I love it. I do mine at the end of October and skewer it once a week or so and drizzle with brandy (dont like bourbon). I can get nearly a whole bottle of brandy into my cake (not child friendly, lol). I also exchange the sultanas (dont like them) for dried cherries and blueberries and the walnuts (also dont like) for pecans. I use dates, mango, papaya any tropical or unusual fruits I can get hold of. I have done this cake for birthdays and parties etc and everyone loves it, although mine does come with a drink driving warning! I have this with Mary Cadogan's Jewelled Mincemeat every year and everyone has always said its the best they have had. Even my dad who hates everything and everyone!"

01 October 2008

"I do this mincemeat at the end of November every year since seeing the recipe years ago. I hate the heavy, oversweet, suet laden mincemeat you usually get in mince pies and so this was a bit of a revelation! I can join in and eat mince pies at christmas now! Everyone who has tried them, adores them and I always make sure I do more than the recipe says because everyone wants to take a jar home with them! This is a staple christmas food in my house and me and my 4 children adore making them (along with my special home made sausage rolls) on christmas eve!"