Sinfully good Christmas fare

Ruth Pretty fruit cake. Picture / Carolyn Robertson

Christmas is all about eating too much. We don't believe gluttony is a sin with all this specialty festive food about. It would take far more disciplined people than we are to deny themselves any of this lot.

1. All wrapped up

Panettone, the classic Italian Christmas cake from Milan, is one of those treats that make you wish Christmas lasted all year. This Tre Marie panettone encrusted with almonds comes in such stunning packaging, adorned with golden glass grapes, that it would seem a shame to unwrap it - but it's well worth ripping apart and devouring. The delicate golden yellow panettone melts in your mouth, while the almond and crystalised sugar add texture and flavour to this mouthwatering experience. $63.95 at The Italian Grocer, ph (09) 360 2842.

2. A piece of cake

We take our hat off to Ruth Pretty for doing her homework when it came to hunting down the best Christmas cake recipe. The Kapiti Coast-based chef, caterer and food writer has come up with a winner that's moist and full of fruit. Pretty tried 35 recipes before developing her own. The cake is made in batches of 36 at a time using first-grade dried fruit, unsalted butter and the very best eggs. The fruit is soaked in dry sherry and, after it's cooked, the cake is doused in brandy. $45 for 1.2kg.  To view website, see link below. 

3. Close to home

This cranberry chutney developed by Ruth Pretty will certainly come in handy. Either serve lashings on Christmas day with turkey or ham, or offer it with with soft creamy brie and ciabatta for an easy summer lunch. Made from first-grade cranberries from the United States, plus mixed peel and spices. $12.50 at Kitchen, ph (09) 273 5155.

4. Star of the show

These five-star Christmas mince pies get the thumbs up for their delicious short pastry packed full of dried fruit and fresh apple, with a liberal dose of brandy. Just one of an array of decadent festive delights from Pandoro Panetteria, we like this large version for its full taste sensation. $13.40 for a packet of six. Also available in mini-sizes, $10.20 for a packet of six, or $18 for 12. From Pandoro, ph (09) 631 7416.

5. King of cookies

Rocket Kitchen, renowned for their stylishly decorated cakes, does a beautifully presented batch of festive cookies that taste as good as they look. Gingery of flavour and crisp of texture, they are as appealing to children as they are to adults. Packets of six are $12, individual cookies $2 each at Rocket Kitchen, ph (09) 360 8834.

6. Bonbon appetit

If you are after a gourmet sweet treat then it doesn't get much better than this Flamigni Nugatello, small logs of chocolate truffle studded with nougat in orange, hazelnut and coffee and milk flavours. We particularly liked the clever packaging - one large bonbon, tied prettily with ribbon, encasing eight bonbons. $14.95 at Sabato, ph (09) 630 8751.