5 h. ago Nutcracker stocking fillers: Brian Levy’s recipe for sugar plum and coffee cookies | The sweet spot

A rich, buttery crumb, a hint of bittersweet coffee, a spot of icing and a cherry on top better gift them before you scoff themThese festive cookies are inspired by The Nutcracker’s Land of Sweets sequence, in which coffee and sugar plums are two of the flavours used to conjure a fanciful world of decadent diversion. Anything from a hard candy to a candied fruit can qualify as a “sugar plum” and, in the case of these cookies, the sugar plum is represented by the amarena cherry. Coffee’s bitterness balances the sweetness of the fruit and the rich butteriness of the dough, while the oat flour adds a dash of shortbread-like delicateness.Brian Levy is the author of the Formal Assignment newsletter and Good & Sweet, published by Avery at £35.99. To order a copy, visit guardianbookshop.com Continue reading...

Society

24 h. ago I'm A Celebrity fans spot sweet moment Aitch falls in love with Shona McGarty

Rumours of a romance between Aitch and Shona McGarty have been rife on I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! and now fans reckon the rapper is smitten

Politics

3 d. ago Helen Goh’s recipe for edible Christmas baubles | The sweet spot

Chewy, marshmallow-coated Rice Krispie baubles that are as fun to make as they are to giftThese edible baubles make a joyful addition to the Christmas table or tree. Soft, chewy, marshmallow-coated Rice Krispies are studded with pistachios and cranberries, chocolate and ginger, or peppermint candy cane; they’re as fun to make as they are to eat, and they make a perfect little gift. To add a ribbon for hanging, cut small lengths of ribbon, then loop and knot the ends. Push the knotted end gently into the top of each ball while it’s still pliable, then reshape around it, so it holds the knot securely as it sets. Alternatively, wrap each bauble in cellophane, then gather at the top and tie with a ribbon, leaving a long loop for hanging. Continue reading...

Politics

9 d. ago ‘Sexy and a little daring, but never too much’: sheer skirts hit the sweet spot

If ‘naked dressing’ is a stretch too far, sheer fabrics can provide a real-life friendly compromiseFashion loves nothing more than an extreme trend, one difficult to imagine transferring to most people’s everyday lives. See naked dressing, where stars on the red carpet wear transparent and sometimes barely there gowns.This party season, however, there appears to be a real-life friendly compromise. Enter the sheer skirt. Continue reading...

Events

2 w. ago Brandi Carlile: ‘I’m in a sweet spot – my kids are little, my wife is hot and my body doesn’t hurt’

The singer on being a school bully, having a panic attack on stage, and ‘fearless bitch’ Elton JohnBorn in Washington state, Brandi Carlile, 44, released her self-titled debut album in 2005. She went on to win 11 Grammy awards and is part of the country supergroup the Highwomen. She has collaborated with Joni Mitchell and this year released the album Who Believes in Angels? with Elton John. Their song Never Too Late was Oscar nominated. She has published a memoir, and established the charitable Looking Out Foundation. Her eighth studio album, Returning to Myself, was released last month. Carlile lives in Washington state with her wife and two daughters.When were you happiest? I’m the happiest right now. I can see that I’m in a kind of sweet spot: my parents are alive, my kids are little, my wife is hot and my body doesn’t hurt. Continue reading...

Politics

2 w. ago I'm A Celeb's Aitch admits 'soft spot' for Shona McGarty in sweet admission

Aitch has opened up about life in the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! camp, revealing that he's becoming great friends with EastEnders actress Shona McGarty

Events

3 w. ago Benjamina Ebuehi’s recipe for apple, brown butter and oat loaf | The sweet spot

A wholesome, versatile cake that’s perfect for the colder months, be it for breakfast or for puddingI adore a good loaf cake. There’s something about them that’s just inherently cosy and wholesome, and this one in particular is perfect for the colder months, not least because it’s simple and sturdy in the very best way. It’d be right at home with a coffee for breakfast, as well as gently warmed in a pan with butter and served with hot custard on a rainy evening. A real all-rounder. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Devil Wears Prada fans spot sweet detail in first trailer for sequel

The eagerly anticipated sequel, reuniting stars including Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, will be released next summer

Politics

4 w. ago Strictly Come Dancing fans spot sweet gesture as support pours in for Dianne Buswell

Dianne Buswell is expecting her baby boy with partner Joe Sugg

Politics