XMAS: Abbreviation for Christmas

My trusty 1976 dictionary contained only 26 X words.  It did however have Xmas as one of the 26 words so I am kind of grasping at straws and using an abbreviation – it was difficult finding a suitable word.

So in keeping with the Xmas theme I am sharing with you a fabulous Xmas cake recipe. For the last 10 years, in late October early November, I make at least 20 Xmas cakes for friends and family using a recipe given to me by a friend.  This was her mother’s recipe so it is at least 2 – 3 generations old.  Enjoy.

Bobbie’s Christmas Cake

Place in a large pan

• 1/2 1b butter
• 1 & 1/2 1bs brown sugar
• 1 x 15oz tin of fruit salad
• 1/2 cup rum
• 1200 grams  mixed fruit
• 2-3 teaspoons various spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, mixed spice)

Bring to the boil, simmer for 1 minute and cool

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When mixture cool add

• 4 well beaten eggs
• 2 tablespoons of golden syrup

then add

• 2 cups wholemeal flour
• 2 cups white flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Mix all together 

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Line the bottom  of 9 inch cake tin with paper

Bake 130C for 3-4 hours 

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Notes:

• The mixture of metric and imperial measurements is as it came from Bobbie.
• Rather than icing the Xmas cake, decorate the top with almonds and/or glaze cherries before putting it in the oven to cook.
• I use less sugar than the recipe states.
• It is okay to double the recipe and I often use different size tins depending on who I am baking for.  Baking time will differ with size of tin used.
• I have fan oven, so I lower the oven temperature to 120/125C

Thanks Bobbie for your recipe