Sweet  treats

A chocolate cake is a luxury that brings back fond memories of home baking from days gone by. It's quick and easy to create and, if prepared with care, can taste delicious.

While some recipes use cocoa powder as a substitute for chocolate, there's nothing like using the real thing.

When melting chocolate to bake a cake or similar dessert, there are several ways of doing it. A microwave is a good option, but make sure you don't heat the broken up pieces for too long - they only need to be at a melting - not a boiling - stage.

Another method is to grate the chocolate into a mixing bowl suitable for oven use and place in a moderate oven for a couple of minutes.

Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water and stirred gently until the contents melt.

The easiest method on an Aga or Rayburn it to place the basin on the enamel hotplate on top of a piece of folded kitchen towel (protects enamel surface from possible scratching) or on the warming plate of a 4 oven Aga.

Dessert . . . without  the  drip!

Ice cream in a cone is an indulgent treat to be enjoyed at any time of year, but it can get a little messy. We show you how to eat it without it melting everywhere.

Tip
When preparing an ice cream, place a marshmallow in the base of the cone. That way you can reach the bottom of your dessert with its contents intact!

Cool  as  ice

Jelly is a staple sweet treat for children's parties and makes a refreshing dessert during the summer months. But planning ahead is a must to get it set in time. We offer a couple of tricks to speed up the process.

Tip
Next time you make jelly, try adding an ice cube to the mixture to help it set more quickly. Another clever tip to get the jelly gelling is to chill a bowl in the fridge first and then pour the warm mixture into it.

The  spaghetti  test  for  cakes

A skewer is the recommended implement to use to test whether a cake is baked, however we often resort to the nearest sharp knife to do the job. We suggest another kitchen item that will also do the trick.

Tip
To test whether a cake is cooked, insert a piece of dried spaghetti into its centre. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready; if cake mixture is stuck to it, let it bake for a little longer.

A  good  pud

You can find some really delicious plum puddings in the shops these days, but there's nothing quite like making your own. Why not kill two birds with one stone and prepare ahead for next Christmas too.

Tip
If you're making your own Christmas pudding this year, try making two - one for this year and one for next.

Simply lace the pud you intend to set aside with plenty of alcohol, cover it with greaseproof paper and foil and secure with string. Store in a cool dark place ready for next year.

Icing  on  the  cake

A rich Christmas cake packed with fruits and laced with the finest rum or brandy is perfect for giving you that indulgent boost in the depths of winter.

However, while the fruit is irresistible, some find the icing on the cake isn't to their taste. We suggest a delicious alternative.

Tip
If the combination of marzipan and icing traditionally used to adorn a Christmas cake is a little rich for your taste, there is another option.  

Simply decorate the top of the cake with a mixture of dried apricots, glace cherries and nuts and coat them with a pale caramel glaze - attractive and delicious!

Perfect  piping

Baking a cake or a luxurious dessert for a special occasion can add a personal touch to the event, but it's also rather a responsibility. Where things can really go wrong, is in the finishing touches.

Tip 
When icing a cake or decorating a gateau, get off to a good start by filling the piping bag properly.

If you don't have a helping hand to keep the bag open while you spoon in the mixture, find a tall glass, fold the edges of the bag over the rim and fill. With both hands free, you should avoid getting icing or cream everywhere!

Frosty  fruit

Frosted fruit adds an attractive garnish to cakes, cheesecakes and other desserts. Simple to make, they look effective and the choice of topping is entirely up to you.

Tip
Using a pastry brush, brush strawberries, grapes or other fruit with light corn syrup, then roll in sugar to coat.

Place the sugar-coated fruit onto a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper and store in the refrigerator until you're ready to garnish your dessert.

For all your essential cookware visit Aga Cookshop online.