xmas cake dried fruit

[hellosally]

does anyone have views on which supermarkets do the best dried fruit, glace cherries and mixed peel? I previously tried the supplier that Delia Smith recommended and it wasnt great-just coming up to sell by date and not much flavour.I've also tried the premium waitrose ones which werent anything great either. I dont mind spending extra if it tastes better but its not worked out so far!

Have you tried Whole Foods? I've got nice quality dried fruit etc from there in the past. Selfridges Food Hall also do nice dried fruits etc if I recall.

Soak dried fruit in warm tea for few hours before baking and it will make all the difference.

I soak the fruit for 3-4 weeks before cooking (start at half term and cook beginning of December). Any combo of 900-1000g fruit ...

I just buy the fruit from Lidl. The magic is in the soaking (I do tea for one cake, brandy for another). 3-4 days in the fridge, covered & stirred every day, and the fruit is beautifully plump.

When making your cake, don’t forget to let everyone stir & make a wish; I still do this with whatever adult & partner is in the house because I’m a little bit loopy lol.

IME the quality of the brandy (for soaking the fruit) has more impact on the taste than the dried fruit mix.