ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

These are all the cakes, tarts, puddings, biscuits and treats you need for your Christmas countdown, courtesy of Abigail Donnelly

- ABIGAIL DONNELLY, BIANCA STRYDOM AND NADIA MEYER

1 A partridge in a pear tree

Serve this pretty pear tart as part of a cheeseboard with classic Stilton or Brie.

PEAR, RICOTTA AND SAFFRON SABLÉ R19 PER SERVING

PEAR, RICOTTA AND SAFFRON SABLÉ

“Freeze the pastry and defrost overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to bake. If you like, use readymade puff pastry.”

Serves 6

EASY GREAT VALUE

Preparation: 20 minutes, plus 30 minutes’ chilling time Baking: 25 minutes

For the sablé:

free-range egg yolk 1

saffron ½ t

cake flour 150 g

cold butter 75 g, diced

icing sugar 50 g

ground cardamom 1 t

WHAT IS A SABLÉ?

“Sablé” means sand in French and refers to a mixture with a breadcrumb-like texture that’s sandy in colour. It’s often flavoured with citrus or almonds.

Woolworths Ayrshire ricotta 250 g

pears 4, very thinly sliced maple syrup 3 T

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. To make the sablé, mix the egg yolk with the saffron and set aside.