Gifts (almost) too good to eat

Edible presents are thoughtful, personal and instantly enjoyable. Philippa Davis shares a selection of sweet and savoury treats that would be welcome under any Christmas tree

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Cranberry and sloe gin chocolate truffles

These truffles are one of my favourite festive treats, not just as a gift to give but also for myself. They are surprisingly simple to make but the results are utterly decadent. If by some terrible miscalculation (or overindulgence) I have run out of my own stash of sloe gin, I am a big fan of Warner's, made in Northamptonshire, and The Boatyard Distillery's Sloe Boat Gin from Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

Makes approximately 30 truffles
150g 70% cocoa dark chocolate
150g milk chocolate
100ml double cream
25g butter
75g dried cranberries, chopped
50ml sloe gin
1 tsp vanilla extract
15g-20g cocoa powder for dusting
Edible silver or gold spray (optional)

1 Roughly chop the chocolate and place in a small heatproof bowl. In a pan stir together the cream, butter, cranberries, sloe gin and vanilla then bring to a simmer. Once simmering, pour the mixture over the chocolate and leave to stand for 5 minutes. If you have a marble/stone worktop, place the bowl on a wooden chopping board so it doesn't cool too quickly.

2 After 5 minutes, stir well then tip into a shallow dish and cover with cling film – you want the cling film touching the chocolate so condensation doesn't form. Chill in the fridge for 1 hour. Using a melon baller, scoop out the chocolate into even-sized pieces and lay them on a tray.