Brandy butter, spiced cocktails and chocolate log: Yotam Ottolenghi's homemade Christmas gifts - recipes

Christmas could be Christmas without the brandy butter, chocolate logs and bottles of infused liquor, but isn't that just a little< em>more like Christmas with them? Either way, making your own, to give as a gift, is a surefire way to get into the festive spirit. Spices, chocolate, citrus, alcohol…

Marzipan Brandy Butter

This alcoholic butter is perfect for brushing toasted panettone, chopped pies and puddings. Christmas. The arrack brings a warm anise flavor that makes the butter even more delicious, but don't worry if you can't find any: just add more brandy instead. Once prepared, the butter will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Prep 10 minBlitz 5 minMakes 1 medium jarKeep 2 weeks

125g unsalted butter at room temperature50g icing sugar50g brown sugar125g good almond paste (at least 60% almonds) - I like Odense1 large orange, zest finely grated, to get 1½ teaspoon (save the rest of the fruit for another use) ½ tsp flaked sea salt 40ml brandy 1 tbsp arrack or 1 tbsp brandy more after three minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl once or twice as you go, until smooth. With the motor running, slowly pour in the brandy and arak, if using, and blend for another minute, until well blended and slightly frothy; don't be tempted to over mix or the mixture will separate. Pour into a sterilized jar, tie with a nice ribbon and keep refrigerated for up to two weeks.

Hawaij spiced chocolate log