‘In a changing world, the comfort of tradition counts for a lot,’ says cook and food writer Jane Lovett. ‘My latest book, The Get-Ahead Christmas Cook, is not about being cheffy or giving your cooking a lavish slant: it offers a realistic, attainable hand at a busy and often stressful time of the year, aiming to make it the fun it should be for everyone. Hosts included.’ Almost no cooking is needed here. It is best assembled the day before (or even 2 or 3 days ahead) as it improves with age. Serves 8-10

Get ahead

Complete to the end of step 4 up to 3 days in advance, cover and chill

Hints and tips

Substitute other fresh fruit for blackberries, or use jarred or tinned fruit, drained.

This is an edited extract from The Get-Ahead Christmas Cook: The Indispensable Companion for Effortless Festive Entertaining by Jane Lovett (Headline Home, £28)