Christmas Cake Question please help..

[zippee]

How do I know it's a good cake? I baked it 3 weeks ago keeping it stored in a dark cupboard in the kitchen and have fed it twice with brandy by making little holes (cocktail stick) and drizzling brandy over.

It seems quite hard and heavy is that normal or have I made cement.

Thanks everyone, think I will keep dousing it in brandy, I have it wrapped in greaseproof, foil and then in a tied carrier bag.

I'm sure they will be fine, I want to give one as gifts so hoping they will be good!!

They smelt gorgeous when cooked!!

Just before you decorate it skim a slice off the top to level it and taste that.

If it isn't quite right you can dash off to Tesco for a ringer!

Not sure there is really a way you can tell (except the way therealsupergirl suggested).

Not exactly relevant, but I found that mine rose much more this year. Think it's because I added the egg so slowly, and for once it didn't curdle.

Anyway, if it smells good and you pack it with enough booze, I'm sure it'll be lovely.

therealsupergirl, I think that may be an idea lol!!

I did slice off a little corner to see it it tasted okay, it did I think I'm not a great christmas cake eater so wouldn't have an idea what they taste like from the shops haha.

I think I'll just keep topping the booze up and hope fore the best.

Is the best way to top the booze is to prick the cake and drizzle over? or is there a better way?

Thanks again

Heston Blumenthal probably injects his with a hypodermic needle - but toothpick and drizzling works fine for me!