Xmas cake question Nigel slater's

[Brices]

He says to leave 5cm of baking paper above the tin. I've put the mixture in put he doesn't say to then fold down the paper on top of the cake. Do you think I should fold it down or leave paper sticking up?
Sorry for dense question first timer

No, don't fold it down. The collar of paper will protect the cake from burning because the cooking time for a rich fruit cake like a Christmas cake is so long.

Oh thank you! I'll put it in the oven now x

How did it go?

Yes, leave it stood up stops the top drying as quickly.

My awful fan oven needed several layers newspaper tied round the tin too.

Well it looks very brown but hope its not burnt, smells nice. I poured quite a bit of brandy over the top when it was still warm.
I've got the ready rolled marzipan, should you marzipan now and then leave a few days before icing? Or do you marzipan and ice together? I was thinking of doing the fluffy peaks of icing as looks "messy" for first time. And do you need to heat up the apricot jam which sticks the marzipan? Do you put another layer of apricot jam on the marzipan to stick the icing? Thanks again

I always ice and marzipan on the same day. If you use royal icing which sounds as if you will if you want the peaks (available as packet of icing sugar that you mix with water) you won't need to do anything to the marzipan. If you're using fondant icing that you roll out you'll just need to lightly brush with water so the marzipan is just damp. Well done!

If it smells nice its not burnt btw

Congrats! The slater Xmas cake is delicious and v moist btw-good choice!