Christmas Cake

Baking the perfect Christmas cake is a cherished tradition, blending aromatic spices, rich fruits, and a dash of festive spirit.This culinary marvel isn't merely a dessert; it's a symbol of togetherness, a testament to the joyous season.

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Baking time: 1 hour

Serves 10 persons

INGREDIENTS

4 tablespoons Grace Browning

2 pounds raisins

1/2 pound prunes

10 cups red wine

2 cups margarine

2 cups dark sugar

8 medium eggs

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon lime rind

1/2 pound candied fruits

1 tablespoon vanilla essence

1 teaspoon almond essence

1 cup white rum

1 pound cake flour

1/4 pound cracker crumbs/bread crumbs

1 tablespoon baking powder

2 teaspoons nutmeg

DIRECTIONS

Steam raisins and prunes in seven cups of red wine and allow to cool.

Cream margarine and sugar until light and creamy. Beat in eggs one at a time; add lime juice and lime rind.

To the steamed fruits, add candied fruits, vanilla and almond essence. Blend until smooth then mix in the white rum.

Combine cake flour, cracker crumbs/bread crumbs, baking powder and nutmeg and mix well.

Fold in one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the blended fruits.

Repeat this step.

Fold in the final one-third flour mixture with the browning.

Scrape batter into two greased and lined 10" cake tins.

Bake in a pre-heated oven 180degC (350degF) for 30 minutes.

Reduce temperature to 150degC (300degF) and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until done.

Note: Use remaining red wine to wet cakes while they are still warm. White rum may also be used.

The amount of browning added is based on colour preference.

Yield: 16 slices

Source: https://gracefoods.com/