Phoebe and her aunt, Sophia, have been making their “world-famous in our family” Christmas bark for as long as Phoebe, now 12, can remember. 

“It’s super easy,” Phoebe says, “and everyone loves it.” 

When Phoebe was little, her favourite part was breaking up the crackers and covering the bark with “SO many sprinkles” but she now can do it all with minimal supervision.

“The best part,” Phoebe says, “is everyone loves it. All the work is over in about 10 minutes and then you just have to wait for it to set. The next thing you know all your little cousins will be chasing you around begging for another piece - it’s that delicious.”

Sophia has had similar experiences bringing the bark into workplaces and book club celebrations over the years. 

“It’s dangerously popular,” she laughs. “I just put it on the table and run so I don’t get trampled!” 

Phoebe and Sophia have, over the years, adapted the recipe to suit different dietary requirements (their gluten-free version was a hit at their family Christmas barbeque last year), and the sprinkles have been switched up to celebrate Eid, Matariki, Easter and birthdays. 

“It really makes people happy,” says Phoebe, “and that makes me happy.”

Phoebe now has a two year old sister who is eager to get involved with this family tradition.

“She’s a very good taste-tester,” Phoebe laughs. “Maybe this year we will hand her the sprinkles.”

The pair are happy to share their recipe for such a good cause. 

“We looked at all the different charities GBB bakes for, and it’s nice to think our special recipe is going to fill lots of tummies and help lots of people,” Phoebe says. 

Phoebe also contributed some of the artwork featured on the tea towels, including the drawings of both the Christmas bark and the summer fruit tart.