Potted Christmas cakes

This cool little idea came from my mum who has made these before as gifts.

The still need glazing to look all shiny but you get the idea - potted christmas cakes.

First you need to line a terracotta pot with baking paper. I cut a small round for the bottom and then a long strip to wrap into a cone around the sides.

Then fill the pot with your favourite christmas cake recipe (I've included one of my favourites below) and topping with some nuts and glace fruit looks nice.

Then cook according to your recipe (reduce the time and keep a close eye on it) Because these are smaller and taller than a christmas cake they tend to cook quicker. Also you will probably need to cover these with tinfoil half way through cooking so the top doesn't burnt like my first attempt did!

A lovely gift with a big bow wrapped around them and more interesting to give than a traditional christmas cake. 

So as promised here is one of my favourite christmas cakes - don't scrimp on the essences they really make the cake!

Marjory’s fruitcake

Cream 190grams butter

With 1 cup sugar

And 1 tablespoon golden syrup

Add essences 1 tsp each of  lemon, orange, vanilla and 

almond.

Add 2 beaten eggs

Then add 2 cups of plain flour but don’t mix it in yet

Add

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 kilo of mixed fruit 

500g sultanas 

Coat your fruit with flour, then mix in.

Add 1 tsp baking soda mixed in 1 cup milk.

Bake at 170 degrees C for about 1 and ½ hours, but check after 1 hour.

I hope wherever you are you are enjoying a little bit of christmas cheer.