Tunis cake
An almond and lemon sponge with a thick chocolate topping. A welcome alternative to traditional fruit cake.
Family recipes for Christmas, Thanksgiving and the colder months: cakes to bake ahead, homemade sweets to share and turkey with all the trimmings.
Many of these recipes come from Jonathan Spencer’s family and have been passed from one generation to the next. Some take an afternoon; others are worth starting well before Christmas. Choose something you fancy making, put the kettle on and enjoy being at home.
Our recipes are free to use. If you enjoy them, please support Zetetick Housing with a donation.
An almond and lemon sponge with a thick chocolate topping. A welcome alternative to traditional fruit cake.
Fast, medium and slow cooking methods, with a clear timing table and advice on preparation and checking the bird.
A traditional rich fruit cake with nuts, spices and brandy or whisky. Finish it with homemade marzipan.
Jonathan’s family pudding, with the original imperial measurements and guidance on steaming.
A smaller steamed pudding, plus the tradition behind Stir-up Sunday.
The fruit filling for your own mince pies, made with apples, dried fruit, citrus and spice.
For covering Christmas cake, decorating Tunis cake or shaping into little sweets.
Soft peppermint sweets, especially good half dipped in dark chocolate.
Use orange, lemon, lime or grapefruit peel in baking, or dip it in chocolate.
A cooked custard base, with a festive orange-and-peel version and a lemon alternative.
Alongside the AGA turkey guide, try our chestnut and sausagemeat stuffing recipes. Both work for Thanksgiving or Christmas; the page explains cooking separately and the traditional neck-stuffing method.
If you are planning a quieter winter at home, our ideas for a cosy home include a Dorset apple cake recipe. You can also explore pumpkin ideas for autumn and how to make Turkish coffee.
More ideas for festive baking and meals to share.
