Step 1: Make the brandy butter on Christmas morning (it can be made the day ahead but it will need to be wrapped really well to avoid it becoming tainted in the refrigerator).

Step 2: Cream the butter and icing sugar in an electric mixer until white, thick and fluffy and the sugar has dissolved. This takes some time, so be patient.

Step 3: Slowly beat in the brandy, a teaspoonful at a time, tasting as you go. Cover with plastic film and refrigerate.

Step 4: Note: Doesn't Brandy Butter just sing of Christmas and sharing special treats with loved ones?! This Christmas lunch essential makes its way into our popular Christmas hampers for a wonderful gift that's perfect to treat yourself or someone special.