FIRST i want to complain about having to register and log in just to ask some simple questions. this is a nuisance.
in your receipe traditional christmas cake you say use barley wine. asda does not sell this. which shop sells this.
also in the same receipe you say use breadcrumbs. do you advise using dried breadcrumbs available from asda or fresh breadcrumbs?
your christmas cake and pudding and mincemeat do not require maturing time. why? If I want to let these items mature when should i make them and please give storage instructions.
I will be storing in florida usa, very hot humid tropical weather.
your christmas cake does not require brushing the top with brandy. why? if i want to do this how much brandy should i use and how often should i brush?
thank you
Tina!
I’m sorry that you feel you have reason to complain.
There isn’t any Barley Wine in Christmas cake!
The Barley wine needed for Christmas Pudding is usually available in Asda (also in Tesco and Sainsbury).
You may be looking from the wrong thing. It comes in a gold can….
https://groceries.asda.com/product/canned-lagers/gold-label-very-strong-beer/910000521300
For the Christmas Pudding recipe – we always use freshly, made breadcrumbs from a home made white loaf or the nicest white loaf that we can buy.
They all benefit from maturing unless you are in a hurry or choose to follow the cheats versions.
6 weeks for the Christmas Cake. For the pudding it’s traditionally a month before but we usually do them at the beginning of October but they keep for much longer in the right conditions.
The mincemeat doesn’t have to mature but it’s helpful to get ahead. It will last for years but we like to use our within a year.
Storage details are usually at the end of the recipes but usually a cool dark place. Hot and humid is not good, but perhaps in a cupboard that stays cool. All can be frozen if need be.
Delia ‘feeds’ her cakes with Brandy or Armagnac.
https://www.deliaonline.com/how-to-cook/baking/delias-guide-to-storing-your-christmas-cake
For an 8 inch cake we do 2 – 3 teaspoons every 1 - 2 weeks (depending on when it made. About 4 – 5 feeds is about right but you can do less or more!
You’re most welcome!
Lindsey