The pressure to be an effortless host over the Christmas season is high, and my biggest tip is to have a thoughtfully stocked freezer. As well as batch-making mince pies, biscuit logs and vol-au-vents, I love a festive-themed ice-cream or, in this instance, semifreddo. This cassata-inspired one is my new festive favourite – it’s embarrassingly easy (pretend it’s harder, if you like) and triumphs on so many Christmas flavours. Decorate as elaborately as you wish, piling it high with glacé fruits and marzipan sculptures, or just with a glossy, chocolate glaze.
