Christmas Cake I

Christmas Cake I - Delicious Holiday Treat for All Ages

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 4 hours | Servings: 12

Introduction

Christmas Cake I is a traditional holiday dessert that is rich in fruits, nuts, and spices. This decadent cake is perfect for celebrating the festive season with family and friends.

History

The origins of Christmas Cake can be traced back to the medieval European fruitcake, which was a dense and rich dessert made with dried fruits and nuts. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of ingredients such as brandy, spices, and citrus peel. Today, Christmas Cake is a popular dessert enjoyed during the holiday season in many countries around the world.

Ingredients

1.5 cups of good butter
1.75 cups of brown sugar
16 eggs
4 lb (1.81 kg) of raisins
4 lb (1.81 kg) of currants
1 lb (454 g) of mixed peel, cut fine
2 lb (907 g) of flour
1 lb (454 g) of almonds, blanched and cut fine
2 grated nutmegs, same amount of mace
0.5 pt (237 ml) of brandy
1 tbsp of lemon essence

How to prepare

Cream the butter and sugar together until well combined. Add the beaten egg yolks, followed by the stiffly beaten egg whites.
Combine all the fruits and nuts together, and coat them with some of the 2 lb (907 g) of flour.
Beat the mixture well, then add the nuts and brandy.
Bake the mixture slowly in the oven.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or whiskey to the batter for an extra boozy flavor.
Experiment with different dried fruits such as apricots, figs, or cranberries.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy for a tender cake.

- Coating the fruits and nuts with flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

- Baking the cake slowly in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Christmas Cake I with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy is essential for a tender cake.

- Folding in the beaten egg whites gently helps to keep the cake light and airy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the brandy with orange juice for a non-alcoholic version of the cake.

- Use walnuts or pecans instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Christmas Cake I can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the cake with candied fruits, nuts, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Christmas Cake I with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Christmas Cake I in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a low oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Christmas Cake I contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Christmas Cake I contains approximately 60 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Christmas Cake I contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Christmas Cake I contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Christmas Cake I is a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and iron.

Alergens

Christmas Cake I contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

Christmas Cake I is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals, but may not be suitable for individuals with nut or egg allergies.

Summary

Christmas Cake I is a classic holiday dessert that is perfect for celebrating the festive season. With its rich and indulgent flavors, this cake is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delicious treat during the holidays.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Christmas Cake I. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, visiting my grandmother's house during the holiday season. As soon as I walked through the door, I was greeted by the most amazing smell, a combination of spices and sweetness that seemed to fill the entire house.

I followed the scent into the kitchen, where I found my grandmother standing over a large mixing bowl, her hands covered in flour and sugar. She was humming a tune to herself as she poured in a generous amount of molasses and stirred the mixture with a wooden spoon. I watched in awe as she added in a variety of fruits and nuts, each one carefully measured out and mixed in with precision.

"What are you making, Grandma?" I asked, unable to contain my curiosity.

"Why, Christmas Cake I, of course!" she replied with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a recipe that has been passed down through our family for generations. It's a special treat that we only make during the holiday season."

I couldn't believe my luck. I had always admired my grandmother's cooking skills, and now I had the opportunity to learn one of her most prized recipes. I stayed by her side as she continued to mix and stir, taking in every detail of the process.

As the cake baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with an even more delicious aroma, my grandmother began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that it had been handed down from her own grandmother, who had brought it with her from the old country when she immigrated to America many years ago.

"Each ingredient in this cake has a special meaning," she said, her voice filled with nostalgia. "The spices represent the warmth and coziness of the holiday season, while the fruits and nuts symbolize abundance and good fortune. It's a cake that is meant to be shared with loved ones, to bring joy and happiness to all who taste it."

I listened intently, absorbing every word as if it were a sacred secret being passed down to me. I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire, a tradition that I would one day pass on to my own grandchildren.

Finally, the cake was done baking, and my grandmother carefully removed it from the oven. The sight of it made my mouth water – a rich, dark cake studded with colorful pieces of fruit and nuts, all topped with a shiny glaze that glistened in the light.

"Would you like to try a piece, dear?" my grandmother asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

I eagerly accepted a slice, savoring the first bite of the moist and flavorful cake. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, with just the right amount of crunch from the nuts. I knew in that moment that this cake would always hold a special place in my heart.

From that day on, I made sure to learn the recipe for Christmas Cake I by heart. I practiced making it every holiday season, honing my skills and adding my own personal touch to the mix. I shared the cake with friends and family, watching as their faces lit up with delight at the first taste.

As the years passed, I continued to make Christmas Cake I, each time feeling a sense of connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who had come before me. The recipe became more than just a dessert – it became a symbol of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear.

And now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing to make Christmas Cake I once again, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that my grandmother gave me all those years ago. The recipe may have come from her, but the love and memories that it represents are truly my own. And as I take a bite of the cake, savoring the familiar flavors and aromas, I know that I am carrying on a tradition that will live on in my family for years to come.