christmas cake and alcohol question

[wannabedomesticgoddess]

So I am going to make this one for family, as I want to add cranberries and pecans.

But can any of you think of something else that could replace the alcohol other than tea? And if not, what would be the lightest alcohol to use?

Orange juice. I'm using that for the kids cakes.

Apple juice?

The recipe already has orange juice in it, so I would just increase that then? And feed it with orange juice too?

Grape juice or a cherry juice?

Wait how woul it be preserved without the alcohol?

I would be wary of feeding it with anything that is sugary without the alcohol, might it encourage mould?

It's fine to soak before cooking, the heat would destroy any bugs.

Would brandy be a lighter taste than sherry? I don't like rum so that's out.

Any other alcohol that could be used?

Brandy would taste as strong but the alcohol level will be so much higher.

Any reason you don't want to use tea?

Cherry brandy?

I think a christmas cake that tastes like tea wouldn't be that nice, but I don't like tea that much anyway.

Mmm. What about peach schnapps? Or does that sound horrendous?

you can soak it in any alcohol really - sherry or amaretto work great but why add a super sweet peach flavour???? Buy supermarkets own brands and smaller bottles to save money.

Your not going to have a alcohol flavoured cake anyway, it adds richness, a depth in flavour and a preservative.

I never worry about alcohol in cakes for the kids its such a tiny amount its not going to have any effect.

I base my Christmas Cake on Delias but have tweaked it to my own mix of fruits and nuts and XP sherry (expensive but worth it) - never fails.

Oh Amaretto sounds nice, think I will use that!

I am not worried about the kids, more the taste, but as you say it won't taste of the alcohol so I suppose it won't matter. I want a lighter xmas cake but not a light cake with fruits in, if that makes any sense at all.

Amaretto sounds lovely, I might use that as well!

Amaretto sounds lovely, I might use that as well!

Bought Amaretto today and it smells heavenly. Great idea, thanks bacon.

Fruit is soaking in it as we speak! :)

Cointreau works well with Christmas cakes and puddings.

My fruit is currently soaking in cherry brandy :)