Christmas cake recipe (sorry its very early!)

[mum2RandR]

I was wondering if anyone had any decent christmas cake recipes? I have tried different ones over the last 4 years and have never found one I really like.
If anyone could give me any recipes I would be very grateful.
Also when do you cook yours? Normally do mine 6-8 weeks before but have noticed the ingredients out in the supermarket already, thought it was a bit early? Thanks x

I usually use Delias recipe and it is good - but there may be better

Oh, I knew there would be a thread on this somewhere (Thanks mum2RandR)!

I may give Delia's a try but would anyone else like to recommend their recipes ?

Btw, I normally do mine in October so, no, not too early - plenty of time to feed it with brandy or whatever!

Excellent, how long before Christmas can I make it?

What brandy do you use?

Cheap and cheerful supermarket own brand here.

I've used this recipe for the past 3 years with lots of compliments traditional christmas cake

I always loved my mom's christmas cake best, and have made it myself many times to her recipe, a recipe i believed to be an old family one until she revealed it came from the local newspaper... still a good cake recipe though.
Last year I also added a few hazlenuts, and watered it with amaretto which made it extra special!

Christmas cake (from the 'Express and Star' 1974ish)

currents sultanas 2lbs
mixed fruit 4ozs
4ozs glace chopped cherries
10ozs butter
5ozs soft brown sugar
5oz castor sugar
12ozs sr flour
6 eggs
tsp mixed spice
3/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ginger
nutmeg....
3tbs spirits
rind lemon
milk/water mix...

9 inch round/ 8 inch sq

Gas mk 2/300f 11/2-2hrs
reduce to gas mk 1 2-4 hours

wrap tin in brown paper tied in string

Ooooh, both sound nice, thanks!

Last year I did Delia's and a different one to compare (can't remember which recipe) and everyone prefered the Delia one.

I like Delias - always works out. I change what I put in it a bit (leave out the nuts and candied stuff) and put in loads of extra glace cherries.

Thanks for all your replys, both recipes look great.