Non Traditional Christmas Cake No Cherries Recipes

NON-TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS CAKE - NO CHERRIES

Steps:

• Combine sultanas, currants, and chopped dried fruit in the largest mixing bowl you have. Add the orange zest, juice, crushed pineapple (with juice) and brandy. Mix well.
• Cover and leave overnight to soak, stirring occasionally. (I left this for two days with no problems).
• Turn the oven onto 180 degrees C and toast the almonds until just brown. Remove from the oven, let cool, and add to the fruit mixture.
• Turn the oven down to 150 degrees Celsius.
• Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating to combine. The mixture might curdle but this isn't a problem.
• Stir through the vanilla and almond essences, then add to the fruit mixture with the ground almonds. Stir well to combine.
• Sift the flour, baking powder and spices together. Mix through the fruit mixture. (My grandma told me that a light hand is necessary & not to overmix - otherwise the cake turns out tough & dry - who am I to argue with grandma?).
• Spoon into a prepared baking tin (mine measures 7in x 9in), then bake for 3 hours.
• If the top starts browning too quickly cover with baking paper.
• Remove from the oven after 3 hours and cool. Gently pierce the top of the cake with a skewer in 10-12 places, then trickle over 3T of the extra brandy.
• Wrap in tin foil and baking paper, and store in an airtight tin for 3-4 months. Feed regularly with brandy to keep the cake moist and flavourful.

NO-CANDIED-FRUIT FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first four ingredients. Add pecans, cherries, pineapple and dates; toss to coat. Beat eggs and orange juice; add to fruit mixture and mix well. Line two 9x5-in. loaf pans with foil and grease the foil. Pour fruit mixture into pans and press down. Bake at 300° for 1-3/4 to 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans. Remove foil. Brush with corn syrup; cool completely.