...because, let's be honest, any plans of baking up a non-Christmas-related storm disappeared the instant the countdown to our annual yuletide festivities started. As my family have a tradition of making presents, any spare moments (of which there weren't many) were spent baking and bottling, with some quick trips and added adventures helping to make this year's gifts extra special.

Classic jams were the choice this season - the raspberries I picked at my aunt's farm; the apricots thanks to some late-night tree clambering at mum's. And while the mustard was simply just that, my first attempt at brined & marinated olives was made all the more memorable from having helped my neighbours pick them a few months earlier.

Baking was infrequent but not forgotten. An attempt at Dan Lepard's raspberry almond mousse cake helped sustain the early morning preserving sessions, and it just wouldn't be Christmas without at least one traditionally festive treat...

Merry Christmas, everyone.