Delighted to come across your Substack (via @Catherine Under Pressure). I make a Christmas cake every year, usually to my grandmother's recipe - from the Daily Telegraph in 1948, Prince Charles' christening cake. A few amendments over the years from other recipes I've come across (gin, figs, prunes have all made an appearance) so perhaps will take something from yours when I'm baking this weekend.
Christmas cake is a labour of love! I enjoyed reading the recipe but I must admit I will not have a go, I am not that organised! I admire your dedication, though! I know the majority voted for more Christmas recipes in your poll but I'm curious to know more about potato recipes.
It's a bit of a courageous one I will admit! I will look after you on that, don't worry. I am away this weekend at a 40th but will post one for you next week.
Hi Joanne, it is a mix of spices in a jar which we can buy here. You can make your own with the following or buy it online. The ingredients if making it yourself are:
Baking directions sound perfectly suited to an Aga. Also--I have found over the years that my best "done" test, for yeast-raised bread and cakes, is 200 F on an instant-read thermometer . I have only once made a Christmas cake (plum pudding being more in my family tradition)--covered with marzipan and then royal frosting. Utter delight. Haven't done it since 2017 because there weren't enough people around to enjoy it--it would be only I consuming, as husband does not enjoy these rich desserts.
Delighted to come across your Substack (via @Catherine Under Pressure). I make a Christmas cake every year, usually to my grandmother's recipe - from the Daily Telegraph in 1948, Prince Charles' christening cake. A few amendments over the years from other recipes I've come across (gin, figs, prunes have all made an appearance) so perhaps will take something from yours when I'm baking this weekend.
Now that sounds like tasting magic!
Christmas cake is a labour of love! I enjoyed reading the recipe but I must admit I will not have a go, I am not that organised! I admire your dedication, though! I know the majority voted for more Christmas recipes in your poll but I'm curious to know more about potato recipes.
It's a bit of a courageous one I will admit! I will look after you on that, don't worry. I am away this weekend at a 40th but will post one for you next week.
Take your time, there's no rush! Enjoy the weekend!
Lovely receipt but what is “mixed spice” please. I’m in Canada
Hi Joanne, it is a mix of spices in a jar which we can buy here. You can make your own with the following or buy it online. The ingredients if making it yourself are:
1 Tbs ground allspice
1 Tbs ground cinnamon
1 Tbs ground nutmeg
2 tsp ground mace
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground Ginger
Baking directions sound perfectly suited to an Aga. Also--I have found over the years that my best "done" test, for yeast-raised bread and cakes, is 200 F on an instant-read thermometer . I have only once made a Christmas cake (plum pudding being more in my family tradition)--covered with marzipan and then royal frosting. Utter delight. Haven't done it since 2017 because there weren't enough people around to enjoy it--it would be only I consuming, as husband does not enjoy these rich desserts.
Edit--marzipan (which I made) then fondant (which I made), not royal frosting