Saturday, December 5, 2009

Memories of Christmas Past: The Christmas Fruitcake

The Christmas Fruitcake is a popular treat for many. The History of “The Christmas Cake” can be found here
When I was young and living at home, one of our many Christmas traditions was the making of the Christmas cake. These were always made during the first week of November. Mother made two cakes one light and one dark. Both were good and they never seemed to last past New Year’s Day.
The cake was prepared in her large canning kettle and we all took turns stirring the batter, this was considered to bring luck. The batter was very thick and heavy so my Father did most of the mixing. After the cake had ripened and before cutting my mother would put a layer of almond paste on the top. It was difficult waiting until December to finally taste these delicious cakes.
Even after I left home my mom and I still made Christmas cakes together and eventually, my sister-in-law joined us. The first Saturday in November became Cake baking Day. We did this for many years, right up until my mom was unable to help anymore. I made the cakes for a few years, but then there just weren’t as many people who enjoyed fruitcake. Now I usually just buy a small cake.
While catching up on my blog reading the other day I found the most delicious sounding Christmas cake over at Storybook Woods. It is called Chocolate Cherry Fruitcake. She is also sharing this recipe and the link is in her posting. This is one cake recipe I really want to try. You can check it out here

KarenOX

9 comments:

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I too like fruitcake...m..

Alison Gibbs said...

mmmm I love fruitcake too.
What a lovely tradition that was for you
Alison

LW said...

What a wonderful Christmas memory.
It is nice to think back to days gone by and the wonderful things that we did.

I can’t believe that I am so far behind this year on shopping and decorating, I need to do a quick step to catch up.

Louise

Fete et Fleur said...

Love this memory, Karen. I'm so glad you are thinking of making the new cake. Thank you for sharing the link.

Hugs!
Nancu

Amy M. said...

A chocolate cherry fruitcake sounds right up my alley!

-Amy
Crafting by Candlelight

Lena said...

Hi Karen,

I know, that fruitcake recipe that Clarice concocted sounds so good, doesn't it? She has come up with some wonderful recipes. I have a little book of them that she published, and there are some real keepers in there.

I like traditional fruitcake too, and so does my mother-in-law. I just bought her a small one at the Swedish bakery the other day. No one else in our family seems to enjoy it, so a small one is just enough.

Food can bring back the best memories of traditions and times shared, especially this time of the year.

Best wishes to you.

Lena

Maija said...

Fruitcake always scared me, but you make is sound so wonderful!!!

K :) said...

great story.

thanks so much for the charms for the saucy charm swap. they are simply beautiful!!

LW said...

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas…

Louise