Good old-fashioned baking is enjoying something of a well-kneaded revival, shaking off its stodgy roly-poly pudding associations and emerging like a gleaming tarte au citron thanks to the likes of divine cupcakes first made famous by the Magnolia

Christmas Cake Kit, £20What could be finer than creating your very own Christmas cake with a little help from Fortnum & Mason? Doing it yourself in style also means you can omit any pesky adult ingredients that your child doesn't enjoy.Available in store from Fortnum & Mason.

tin, greased and lined with greased baking paper12-hole bun tray, with paper cases4 piping bags, with varying nozzlesMethodPreheat the oven to 180ºC/ 350ºF/ Gas Mark 4. Make the Vanilla Sponge mixtures separately and spoon the Extra Large quantity

I sometimes take a piece of cooked ham when i go for a weekend away, and this is one of the reasons why I take it – delicious home-cooked soup that takes absolutely no time to make. I also love lentils. Whether they’re red lentils, nutty brown ones or the utterly gorgeous black P...

Go festive with foodWhat better way to conjure up some festive spirit than by making your own delicious decorations or edible gifts?Home baking is also a great activity to enjoy with your child - all the fun of measuring and weighing, the joy

. The overhanging paper will help you lift it out easily.Ingredients2 large eggs150g soft brown sugar75ml sunflower oil150g dark chocolate, melted1 tsp vanilla extract75g self-raising flour1⁄2 tsp baking powder40g ground almonds150g raw grated beetrootFor the icing

Frosty The Snowman IngredientsFor the medium-sized cake (to fit an 18cm round cake tin)175g (6oz) unsalted butter, softened175g (6oz) caster sugar3 eggs, lightly beaten1 tsp vanilla extract175g (6oz) plain flour3 tsp baking powderA pinch of salt3

Looking to make a delicious cake? These recipes for a Wise Owl, a Flowering Garden, Mungo The Dog, a Pixie Toadstool and a Curly Caterpillar are all taken from Birthday Cakes For Kids by Annie Rigg (Ryland, Peters & Small, £14.99).Creating

350g (12oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature350g (12oz) caster sugar6 large eggs, beaten2 tsp vanilla extract350g (12oz) plain flour5 tsp baking powder4–5 tbsp milk, at room temperatureLarge250g (9oz) unsalted butter, at room temperature250g (9oz

Ingredients4 medium sized starchy potatoes1 small red onion35g plain flour2 eggs, beatenPinch of salt and black pepperCanola oil for cooking (alternatively, use vegetable oil) Method1. Preheat the oven to 230°c and line a large baking tray