Belgian Christmas recipes for a cosy table

1. Speculoos-style biscuits

Ingredients: 125 g softened butter, 100 g brown sugar, 1 egg yolk, 200 g plain flour, 2 teaspoons mixed spice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon baking powder and a pinch of salt.

1. Beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Mix in the yolk.
2. Stir in the flour, spices, baking powder and salt to make a soft dough. Chill for 30 minutes.
3. Roll to 5 mm thick, cut into shapes and bake at 170°C (150°C fan) for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on the tray.

2. Pear and spice loaf

Ingredients: 150 g softened butter, 140 g brown sugar, 2 eggs, 180 g plain flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 2 ripe pears and 75 g chopped walnuts.

1. Heat the oven to 170°C (150°C fan) and line a 900 g loaf tin.
2. Cream butter and sugar, beat in the eggs, then fold in flour, baking powder and spices.
3. Fold in diced pear and walnuts. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

3. Warm orange-and-spice drink

Warm 750 ml cloudy apple juice with strips of orange peel, a cinnamon stick, two cloves and a few slices of fresh ginger. Keep just below a simmer for 10 minutes, strain and serve in small mugs.