Made the Christmas cake but got some Q's

[SilkenTofu]

My 2 x Delia Creole Christmas cakes are marinating nicely in a dark room. I've fed them twice, so once each side. I've used a capful of brandy each time.

How many times are you going to feed your Christmas cake (each side)? My DH is worried it is going to be laced with brandy. Do you ever alternate it with orange juice? What would happen if I did?

Finally, how far in advance of eating the cake/ giving one away can I finish it with marzipan and icing?

Thank you

I personally would be wary of using orange juice. Spirit doesn't go off, I would be worried that orange juice might, and may also make it too wet.
You can marzipan and ice anytime you want. It will keep for years if stored in a cool dark place.. (Remember when people used to keep the top of a three tiered cake for the christening?)
Sorry, not sure about the feeding, but if children are going to eat it, too much raw brandy might put them off.

*Three tiered wedding cake

Yes, Lucisky, my mum kept the top tier of mine, and brought it with her when she came to stay for Christmas 1972 when DS2 was born.
It was fine, having been made nearly six years previously, but the original DH had been changed for an excellent new one. (New one still going strong. 💕 )

I tend to feed mine a capful if brandy about once a week if I remember. The fruit will just absorb it. I would leave off the last week before you ice it to make sure it is nice and dry before the marzipan goes on, otherwise the brandy can soak through to the marzipan (happened to me!) So, next couple of weeks, feed it, but plan when you will marzipan it, and don’t feed it the week before. Hope that helps!

I wouldn't do orange juice. My cakes drink about a quarter to a third of a bottle of brandy each between now and Christmas. (It should come with a don't eat and drive warning)!

Note: none of the kids in the extended family eat fruit cake, but the adults love it! I would marzipan and ice within a week of Christmas Day.

Nope, never alternate with orange juice! A small capful (10ml) of brandy isn’t excessive, it will have maybe 40-50 ml total?

OK, brilliant thanks.

My dad once got a bottle and a half of rum into his cake