“Our Christmas is devoted to the children, six-year-old twins, Mark and Carol,” commented MT.
She does all the work herself rather than stay at a hotel and plans three days of cooking before the holiday.
“One can prepare lots of pastry cases for savoury fillings but the fillings must be freshly made. I shall also make sponge cases to fill at the last minute with fruit. Lots of chocolate and coffee mousse can be made on the third day.
“It's a good idea to stock two or three tins of pure cream for last-minute guests.”
Presents: “Stocking presents upstairs can be opened first thing in the morning. Last year it was 2.30 a.m. The main presents are opened after breakfast round the tree.”