Christmas Cake.

[beardsrock]

Not sure if there is already a thread about Christmas cakes, I had a quick look but can't see anything so thought I'd start one!

Here is the cake that I will be making.

This will be the third year that i have made it and it has always been a success. I plan to shop for the fruit this week and then make it next week, I think it's bad luck to make it before October

Lat year I used a mix of raisins, figs, dates, currants and cranberries for the fruit and I was very happy with the result. I'll use the same fruit this year and plan to feed it with Glenfiddich and port.

The smell whilst the fruit is steeping in the pan is incredible! and has to be taste-tested of course

I am going to buy necessary tupperware and spare port this weekend and get soaking. It'll get a fortnight then, so lovely plump boozy fruit.

A friend has actually offered her kitchen for baking purposes but I am stubbornly wanting to make my first Rayburn christmas cake so I'm hanging on.

Should be fine, Spotty! Stick to the quantities in the recipe you're using and it'll be great!

I thought I was a bit late this year - going to make ours tomorrow - but Facebook did that this is what you were doing two years ago shizzle and I was making a Christmas cake.

I always do Delia's from the 70s, reducing the cooking time by at least an hour, as ovens are much more powerful these days. I always do a square one as it's easier to cut small pieces from. I use brandy. Lots. Feed it once a week, turning it upside down every other time having pricked it all over with a cocktail stick. One year I used amaretto as I love it and the cake was too sweet. It has to be brandy!

My fruit is still soaking. It's been a week now. Hoping to make cake today.

my kitchen floor fitting is running two days behind. Am I allowed to have a tantrum please? I want to make my bloody christmas cakes!! At this rate the spare port will all be drunk to soothe my ire and i'll have to buy another one to feed the cake with...

I have a kitchen!! and all my baking stuff out of storage!!

Fruit is well and truly sozzled by now. These might be my best cakes ever.

(though first time baking them in the Rayburn. Wish me luck!)

How's everyone's cake going?

Mine is looking good, made it with raisins, cranberries, cherries and figs in the end, smells good already. Will finish the Glenfiddich on it then feed with port for the last week or so.

Took mine out to feed it yesterday and it seems a bit wet.The parchment was not dry.Do you think I have overfed it and should not feed it anymore?
I'm a bit worried and wonder if I should let it dry out a bit or take the wrapping off? Advice appreciated!

I've made Delia's last minute cake before and it all got eaten rather quickly.
www.deliaonline.com/recipes/cuisine/european/english/last-minute-mincemeat-christmas-cake.html
I soaked the fruit in apple juice and made it 2 days before Christmas. The nuts on top looked really nice, no need for icing, and it still looked very Christmassy.