delicious. does the 12 days of Christmas

Traditional: On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me… A partridge in a pear tree

The delicious. makeover: Poached mulled wine pears – a showstopper dessert and alternative to Christmas pud.

Traditional: On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Two turtle doves

The delicious. makeover: Turtle dove napkin rings – find the instructions here.

Traditional: On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me…Three French hens

The delicious. makeover: A hearty main course for frosty days. Do the preparation, stick it in the oven, venture out for a brisk walk- and a glorious aroma will greet you when you arrive back, ready to put the finishing touches to this poussin pot roast.

Traditional: On the fourth day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Four calling birds

The delicious. makeover: Use ceramic pie birds to represent calling birds in this madeira and juniper-infused pheasant pie.

Traditional: On the fifth day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Five gold rings

The delicious. makeover: Mince pies reinvented, mincemeat encased in flaky puff pastry, then drizzled with icing to make mince pie rings.

Traditional: On the sixth day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Six geese are laying

The delicious. makeover: Goose confit Scotch eggs, are made from quails eggs and wrapped in a mixture of sausage meat and ready-made goose confit make a perfect party canapé.

Traditional: On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Seven swans a-swimming

The delicious. makeover: An interpretation of the French classic, îles flottantes, this meringue swans with orange custard recipe is a true show-off dessert.

Traditional: On the 8th day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Eight maids a milking

The delicious. makeover: Creamy cassata cheesecake is a dairy lover’s and milkmaid’s dream. With studded with gem-like nuggets of candied fruit and nuts, this make-ahead dessert is a dinner party winner.

Traditional: On the 9th day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Nine ladies dancing

The delicious. makeover: A glowing centre piece for the middle of the Christmas table or for the mantlepiece, with homemade lanterns, each depicting three dancing ladies. Find the templates and instructions here.

Traditional: On the tenth day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Ten lords a-leaping

The delicious. makeover: Tipsy Christmas wassail is a winter warmer that harks back to the Middle Ages. Have a pot on the go during your festivities, though go steady as to not end up as drunk as a lord…

Traditional: On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Eleven pipers piping

The delicious. makeover: Macaroons make a light and elegant sweet canapé or petit four. All that’s needed is some careful piping and 45 minutes of attention.

Traditional: On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me… Twelve drummers drumming

The delicious. makeover: Whether for tree decorations or homemade gifts- these drum shaped stem ginger Christmas tree biscuits taste as good as they look.