As soon as Christmas was in sight bakers would begin the ritual of preparing the Christmas Cake. Regularly feeding the cake with rum, brandy or whisky ensured that the ritual of preparing the Christmas cake and Christmas pudding. Regularly feeding the cake with rum, brandy or whisky ensured that the cake would keep its flavour and stay moist for the celebrations ahead.
Traditional Christmas cake makers soak dried fruit in alcohol, butter and sugar, then add the dried ingredients of choice. Flour, cinnamon, cloves, buts – the choice is yours. Finished with eggs and poured into a tin ready for baking.
Cooking a traditional Christmas cake takes time, a slow bake, filling the kitchen with delicious smells of winter. Once baked, the cake can be stored and fed with a drizzle of alcohol regularly until it is ready to be iced or decorated.
Christmas cake decoration varies from the elaborate to classic simplicity. White fondant icing, festive ribbons and delicate shapes make the perfect design. At Anna Baker Cakes, decorating a Christmas Cake can be tailored to the customer request. But here are a few suggestions for the perfect Christmas centrepiece.
- Nature – real holly leaves, pine cones or twigs add a touch of rustic charm.
- Fruity delight – glazed fruits and nuts are the perfect edible decoration.
- Shape up – cut shapes of stars, snowflakes or holly, either white or colour stand out on any Christmas cake.
- Cheat with style – there are a wide variety of decorations that can be purchased, quaint Christmas sleighs, Christmas trees, presents. Any ornament or even small toy can be used.
- Sweet treat – empty a chocolate box, make some chocolate gingerbread man or even a chocolate log cabin.
- Clear and simple – wording is effective, “Merry Christmas” or “Seasons Greetings” can be hand written or purchased in the form of a cake topper.
If you plan on having a Christmas cake as a centrepiece at a festive party, or as a luxurious treat over the merry season, get in touch with Anna Baker Cakes today to order your Christmas cake.