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Original poster

Christmas Cake recipe

27 replies

QueenofClean · 07/09/2013 14:33

What's your best Christmas Fruit Cake recipe. I want to make one for first time....so suggestions please.

TIA

OP posts:
MaureenMLove · 07/09/2013 14:37

I just use one from Good Housekeeping Cookery Book, which is about 25 year old, I think! Grin Just a good rich fruit cake mix. It's all about what you douse it in, between now and Christmas!

I do have a very funny alternative recipe though, just to give you a laugh. Hang on and I'll find it!

Original poster
QueenofClean · 07/09/2013 14:38

Fab thanks. I look forward to both recipes :).

OP posts:
CunfuddledAlways · 07/09/2013 14:39

ooh also interested in making Christmas cake for those first time!

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 07/09/2013 15:38

Consider making your cake with whisky. It's really good. Cheap blended whisky for soaking the fruit then good stuff for feeding it.

TeamEdward · 07/09/2013 15:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
QueenofClean · 07/09/2013 16:22

Will remember the soaking for a week and have plenty of brandy in the cupboard Grin

However, no one has actually posted a recipe or a link to the one they use. TIA

OP posts:
CharlotteBr0nteSaurus · 07/09/2013 16:24

I use Delia's and am happy with it, although it definitely needs extra booze
I tried one of Nigella's before and it was a bit meh.

CharlotteBr0nteSaurus · 07/09/2013 16:25

this one

nemno · 07/09/2013 16:27

I often do Delia's. Do other people find her timings much too long though? And yes, more booze needed.

CharlotteBr0nteSaurus · 07/09/2013 16:29

re: the times, I do 4 hours. Our ancient gas oven is quite cool.

nemno · 07/09/2013 16:33

Thanks for your link Charlotte, interesting that Delia comments on timings in that. I use her Complete Cookery book recipe and generally reduce heat and take the cake out an hour early.

senua · 07/09/2013 16:35

OP you may be QueenofClean but Delia is QueenofChristmas. She goes a bit overboard on citrus for my liking but, apart from that, she is brilliant.

Original poster
QueenofClean · 07/09/2013 16:35

Thanks for the link Charlotte. Smile

How long do you recommend to keep in oven and when so you start making your Christmas Cakes?

OP posts:
Waswondering · 07/09/2013 16:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

nemno · 07/09/2013 16:39

I do my cake and puddings in October. I have been known to keep one pudding for the following year, it is great that mature.

TheSydenhamSet · 07/09/2013 16:40

Delia here!

PistachioTruffle · 07/09/2013 16:41

I use Delia and it always turns out well - last year I used a tip I read on here and used half the quantity of currants and made it up with extra sultanas, and it turned out even better. I agree with extra booze too, I tend to just slosh it on rather than measure it precisely. I can't remember what the timings were like, but ours is a fan oven so I always adjust anyway.

senua · 07/09/2013 16:44

I have been known to do some Christmassy stuff (cake, mincemeat, etc) in the half-term. It keeps the kids entertained for one day.Smile

MaureenMLove · 07/09/2013 16:45

Sorry for the delay!! I had an unexpected visit from my brother and had to run!

Anyway, you have plenty of nice recipes to follow, so now for the best one! GrinWink

  • 2 cups flour ... ... * 1 stick butter
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup of brown sugar
  • Lemon juice
  • 4 large eggs
  • Nuts
  • 2 bottle wine
  • 2 cups of dried fruit

Sample the wine to check quality. Take a large bowl, check
the wine again. To be sure it is of the highest quality,
pour one level cup and drink. Repeat. Turn on the electric
mixer. Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add
one teaspoon of sugar. Beat again. At this point it's
best to make sure the wine is still OK. Try another cup...
Just in case. Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 eggs and
add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit.

Pick the frigging fruit up off floor. Mix on the turner..
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it
loose with a drewscriver. Sample the wine to check for
tonsisticity. Next, sift two cups of salt. Or something.
Check the wine. Now shift the lemon juice and strain your
nuts. Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or some fink.
Whatever you can find. Greash the oven. Turn the cake tin
360 degrees and try not to fall over. Don't forget to beat off the turner.
Finally,throw the bowl through the window.
Finish the wine and wipe the counter with the cat.

Go to Tesco (ideally by bus) and buy cake.

senua · 07/09/2013 16:53

arf!
I love "Add one table."
Grin

Original poster
QueenofClean · 07/09/2013 17:37

Arf snortarf at add a table Grin

Brilliant....I'm sure I'll do well with the wine tasting Wink

Thanks all...Delia seems a winner. So best look at getting ingredients in.

OP posts:
Sybilvimes · 07/09/2013 17:39

I think the Delia one is the best. I do mine in October half term and then feed it every second weekend until Christmas.

Taffeta · 08/09/2013 12:04

Delia. Much less time than in recipe, and much more booze needed.

Make end Oct or beginning Nov.

Original poster
QueenofClean · 09/09/2013 09:58

I'll have a go at Delia. How much less in time do you all recommend for baking?

OP posts:
Taffeta · 10/09/2013 08:15

I go for 45mins to an hour less. Start checking an hour before she says. That's for a 20cm square one.