North American Christmas Cakes - what's the difference?

[FredFredGeorge]

So, Christmas Cake (well rich fruit cakes) are generally thought of as hideous by north americans, but much loved in the UK - I always thought it was just different tastes, but now I've met lots of north americans who like UK Christmas cake, but still hate their own... None could describe why though.

So what's the difference? Are the recipes different, or something else?

Maybe the recipes are different? I remember my American requested a recipe for her Royal Wedding tea party, so I sent her Delia's recipe for celebration cake, and her guests raved about it.

They put really nasty orange and lemon peel, as well as fluorescent cherries If you want proper candied peel, get it sent from the UK.

They don't typically use marzipan or royal icing. Or nearly enough booze.