SUNDAY is the day to stir things up – by starting to prep your Christmas treats.

Known as Stir-up Sunday, the last Sunday before advent is when people traditionally start prepping their Christmas puddings and cakes.

Get prepping this Stir-up Sunday with our top tips

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Get prepping this Stir-up Sunday with our top tips Credit: Getty Images – Getty

Festive cakes contain a lot of spices and booze and, unless you have all the ingredients already in your cupboard, can cost a fair bit to make.

I sought the advice of experts Sophie Beck, who blogs on Instagram as @SauceWithSoph, and Hannah Harley Young, from crazysexyfood.com and her podcast and YouTube channel Crazy Sexy Food. Here are some of their tips for the festive season . . . 

CUPBOARD SWAPSIES: Sophie says: “Check your baking cupboard to see if you already have the same or similar ingredients left over from before. No light brown sugar? You’ll be fine with caster. No baking powder? Stick with bicarbonate of soda. Make use of what you already have.”

GET IN THE SPIRIT: Sophie says: “This goes for spirits too. Christmas cake is usually made with brandy but sherry, whisky or rum can be used. So save yourself buying a whole bottle of brandy at around £20, and use up what you have. If you do have to buy, go for the miniatures — that way you will not end up drinking the rest.”

SPLIT THE BILL: Sophie says: “If you have to buy ingredients, then most of the products will do for baking at least two cakes. It’s also worth buddying up with another baker in your extended family, or a friend, and splitting the bill. This will cost you half the price and means less waste.”

GRAPE IDEA: Hannah says: “One of my favourite tips for making a Christmas cake cheaply, and with a twist, is using red wine instead of brandy. It’s really tasty, and is generally cheaper. Think mulled wine vibes.”

SIZE MATTERS: Hannah says: “Don’t make a huge cake — if there are ten people at Christmas, make a cake for six to seven people. Christmas cake can be quite dense and rich. After a huge Christmas lunch, you will pick at some cake, then switch to other nibbles.”

DON’T POP LEFTOVERS IN BIN: If you do have cake remaining after Christmas Day, Hannah knows just the thing to do. She says: “Squeeze up the sponge in a bowl and roll it into golf-sized balls, poke a lollipop stick in each one — and you have cake pops for Boxing Day. You can also dip them in any icing or melted chocolate you have left over.”

  • ALL prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.

Deal of the day

Fill your freezer for a fiver at The Co-Op with Birds Eye collection

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Cheap treat

Take care of your skin this winter with Aveeno Skin Relief and save £2

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TOP SWAP

Why spend £20 on the Rayner table lamp...

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Why spend £20 on the Rayner table lamp…Credit: Argos
...when you can get a similar one from Wilko for just £7.50

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…when you can get a similar one from Wilko for just £7.50Credit: WILKO

INSTEAD of paying £20 for the Rayner table lamp at argos.co.uk, buy this similar one from Wilko.com while it’s on offer for £7.50.

SAVE: £12.50

And don’t forget…

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Shop and save

Treat someone this Christmas to the Salter Espressimo barista style coffee machine while saving £10

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Treat someone this Christmas to the Salter Espressimo barista style coffee machine while saving £10

THE Salter Espressimo barista style coffee machine is the perfect Christmas gift for all coffee lovers. Buy it now for £29.99 down from £39.99 at robertdyas.co.uk.

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  • PRICES correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Morrisons Christmas advert 2020: Watch the video featuring track by Dua Lipa

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This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk

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