Pineapple Ham

There's something about the pairing of pineapple and ham that works so well, combining smokiness and sweetness in that perfect balance of flavours. However, we think it's the coat of pineapple rings that adorn the ham that turn this kitsch favourite into a show-stopper. If you're new to baking ham, here are a few tips:

  • When selecting your ham, choose a leg that has a thick layer of insulating fat to protect the meat during cooking.
  • A typical 4kg leg will feed 10 people with plenty for leftovers.
  • Gently peel back the skin from the leg to the shank being careful not to tear the fat.
  • Use a sharp knife to score the fat, taking care to not cut all the way through to the meat or it can dry out as it cooks. Score lines running diagonal to the leg about 4cm apart, then repeat the process by scoring it in the opposite direction. You should be left with a diamond pattern.
  • Pineapple Glazed Ham

Rum Balls

Fudgy and moreish, classic rum balls are always a favourite treat, and an ideal gift to share. Made with biscuits, condensed milk, cocoa and rum, they are easy and delicious. To make them a guaranteed success, remember to:

  • Wet your hands before handling the sticky mixture. This will prevent it from sticking and will allow you to easily shape the balls.
  • Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to prevent the rum from evaporating and to ensure they keep their shape.
  • Rum Balls
  • Gluten-Free Rum Balls
  • Rum Balls

Retro Christmas: classic Christmas recipes

Chocolate crackles

This classic recipe has been enjoyed for generations and we're happy to say it's as popular as ever. Made from rice bubbles that are bathed in a chocolaty mix, they are then left to set in little mounds in patty cases. Here are a few tips to ensure your chocolate crackles turn out perfectly this Christmas:

  • Traditionally made with copha, there are now several recipes that only include chocolate.
  • Allow the copha to cool slightly before adding the rice bubble mixture. This will ensure the rice bubbles keep their crunch.
  • If you don't have any patty cases on hand, try setting them in a lightly greased muffin tin.
  • Chocolate Crackles
  • Chocolate Crackle Rocky Road

White Christmas

This classic slice is packed full of fruit, coconut and rice bubbles for that irresistible flavour and texture. Get yours just right by following these tips:

  • Try substituting the fruit for what you have on hand or what you love like glace ginger, diced dried mango, pineapple and cranberries.
  • Use the right size tray to ensure the slice comes out thick enough to cut into bite size squares.
  • Keep this slice stored in the fridge to prevent it from melting and falling apart. Store it in pre-cut squares, ready to serve up whenever the craving hits.
  • White Christmas
  • White Christmas

Check out more festive treats in our Christmas dessert recipes collection.