It's that time of year again when Carol from Just Let Me Quilt hosts the Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange. I love Christmas and I'm usually fully organised by this time but this year I seem to be behind. I still have presents to buy and a couple to finish making. Instead of stressing me out I'm rather enjoying Christmas shopping now all the shops are decorated. So far I haven't hopped on the tube to go and see the lights in central London but that is on my to do list for next week. When I got in from work today I set about making my Christmas cake. John and I love a rich fruit cake and I've used the same recipe for years. I'm away for the weekend so I will be decorating the cake next week. The smell of the cake has made the kitchen smell of Christmas and I can't wait to taste it.
The recipe is from a cookery book I was given in 1976, the year I was 23. I've been using the recipe every year since.
225g currants, 225g sultanas, 225g raisins.
100g mixed chopped peel, 100g glace cherries halved.
50 g nibbed almonds
225g plain flour, 2.5ml ground mace, 2.5ml ground cinnamon.
225g butter, 225g soft brown sugar.
grated rind of 1 lemon
4 large eggs, beaten
30 ml brandy.
Line an 8 inch cake tin.
Mix the prepared currants, sultanas, raisins, mixed peel, glace cherries and nibbed almonds. Sift the flour, and spices. Cream the butter, sugar and lemon rind until pale and fluffy. Add the eggs, a little at a time, beating well with each addition. Fold in half the flour with a metal spoon, then fold in the rest and add the brandy. Finally fold in the mixed fruit. Put in the prepared tin, spreading the mixture evenly, making sure there are no air pockets and make a dip in the centre. Bake in the oven at 150C gas mark 1 -2 for 31/2 hours. To stop the cake over browning cover the top with several layers of greaseproof paper after 11/2 hours. When cooked leave the cake to cool and then turn out onto a wire rack.
the cake can be stored in an airtight tin wrapped in greaseproof paper. You can prick the top all over with a thin skewer and slowly pour 30 - 45 ml brandy over the top before icing. The cake is delicious without any icing.
This year I have been making a Christmas quilt for my son in law as he really loves Christmas. I had hoped to be able to give it to him at the beginning of December but I had just didn't have time. I'd used this pattern before, it's called Scrappy Friends by Phoebe Moon Designs. Here is the quilt I made a while back with Casso testing it out while I was trying to set up the quilt sandwich..
This quilt is now quilted and I just have the binding to do to finish it. I still have some Christmas angels to finish to go on the Christmas tree.
DECEMBER 2nd
DECEMBER 3rd
DECEMBER 4TH
Take care
Lyndsey
I've never made a cake like that, but it definitely looks and sounds delicious. The quilts are so lovely in both of those colors and will be appreciated by those who receive them. You always inspire me, Lyndsey, and I've enjoyed so many of your projects over the years. Thank you! xo
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt! My dear MIL used to make a fruit cake that was delicious too. Thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYour scrappy friends quilts are wonderful. It really shines in those red and green colors!! I hear you on not finishing when you originally planned...we set ourselves goals and then stress about it. I'm so glad you're just going with the flow and finishing it when you can. He will cherish it for many years to come, so no worries, right? I love these hops so much because they can help us reach our finishes more quickly!! I love your cake recipe that you've been making for so many years. That's tradition right there!!! If it works, don't fix it!! Some things need to remain constant in our lives' so we know what to expect and look forward to each year!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your recipe, looks yummy. Enjoyed seeing your quilts, the quilting on the Scrappy Friends looks so good.
ReplyDeleteI really like your quilt, Lyndsey, and it appears the cat does as well! LOL Thanks for sharing the recipe as well! Sounds yummy.
ReplyDeleteOh boy! Cookies! Nice to see your kitty again. Barbara @ Cat Patches.
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas quilt is gorgeous and I’m sure your SIL will love it.
I haven’t done any Christmas shopping or decorating either yet!
Maria lifeontheblock
Beautiful quilts! Have a merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI really like the version of your quilt with the green stars; weird, as I always think of yellow stars but the green ones look awesome. The cake looks yummy and though the thought of icing makes me want to jump for joy - un-iced sounds perfect. Thank you. LJ at bulltulip69 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteChristmas quilt for son-in-law is so pretty. Interesting cake recipe. I know it is delicious. Happy Holidays to you. Laura
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilt and Casso is a gorgeous cat 🐈 Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada 😊 ❤️ 🇨🇦
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely finish for the Hop, Lindsey!
ReplyDeleteEveryone here in Australia is making fruit cake at the moment too! It's not my cup of tea, but hubby loves it! Love the quilt, so, so pretty and isn't Casso just gorgeous! xx
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