Christmas cake

[crazykat]

I know it's still august but I'm making christmas cakes as presents for family. I usually make them beginning of december but I'm due with DC3 then and will be exhausted.

I know they have to be iced at the last minute but how early can I make the cakes and how do I store them so they will stay fresh?

TIA

my recipe says you can store in a tin for 3 months keeping it topped up with brandy. it says not to put it in a plastic box, i'm not sure why tho!

if your looking for a non-alcoholic substitute topping it up with brandy with topping it up with syrup stock they keep just as long and taste practically the same

I make mine in late October if I'm being organized, mid November if not!

I wrap in greaseproof paper, then foil, then in a tin. Drizzle with brandy when I remember.

Do Delia's recipe and it is fab.

Thanks for the replies, I'll aim for late october when I hopefully won't be too tired.
I'll have to get some empty chocolate tins from my mum.

They're going to be alcoholic but with jack daniels instead of brandy. I've been told it's lovely by everyone who had some last year - I can't stand fruit cake.

Do I need to seal the tin with tape?

I usually aim to have mine made by late September, and then 'feed' every few weeks with brandy/rum/whiskey. I don't even use the tin, I just use baking paper and foil and they are scrumptious (if I do say so myself!)

Anyone know what sort of pans to use for making Christmas cakes?

Scout - I have some high sided round tins with a loose base so it's easy to ease the cakes out. Kind of like this I'm always a bit nervous about making square cakes as I tend to burn the corners!