Last year, as usual, I baked a number of Nigella's Traditional Christmas Cakes, all nice and boozy! Anyway there was one that wasn't collected so I wrapped it up quite well, placed it in a metal tin and placed it on a dark shelf in an unused bedroom.
Anyway I'm wondering what sort of shape would the cake be in now? Not a good cake or a well matured cake? Would a good feed of booze put some life back into it, make it suitable for a present or keep it for myself?
NIgella's Traditional Christmas Cake (from Nigella Christmas) is a rich fruit cake that is moister than some cakes thanks to the ground almonds (almond meal or flour) that is added to the cake batter. Like most rich fruit cakes, it benefits from a maturing period and being fed with some extra alcohol, though in the book it is suggested that the keeping time is 6 weeks and generally we suggest if keeping the cake for longer than this then the cake should be frozen as it will keep for a year.
The cake sounds as if it has been strored correctly, though if it has been wrapped directly in foil then that can impart a metallic taste to the dried fruits. If the cake has been wrapped in baking parchment (parchment paper) or greaseproof paper and then stored then this should not be a problem. The best thing to do is look at the cake. If there are any signs of mould, or if the cake has a fermented, sour or odd smell, then it is safer to discard the cake. But if there are none of these then the cake sould be fine as rich fruit cakes can be kept for longer. You could always cut a tiny piece out of whatever is (or will be after decorating) the bottom of the cake and taste it to see if the flavour of the cake is still good. It may benefit from being fed with a little extra alcohol, though this will also depend on how much alcohol was added after the cake was baked. We are not sure if the cake was decorated, but if it was then you should remove any marzipan or icing and decorate the cake with fresh marzipan and icing. If you are any doubt about the condition of the cake then it is also safer to discard it.
Domestic Goddess may refer to: A female household deity. Domestic Goddess (television), a planned cooking show hosted by Roseanne Barr that was canceled before airing. Nickname of Nigella Lawson, author of a cookbook entitled How to Be a Domestic Goddess.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Domestic_Goddess
In Japan, women had traditionally been expected to marry at a young age, and those who were unmarried after the age of 25 were metaphorically referred to as "(unsold) Christmas cakes" (クリスマスケーキ) in reference to items which are still unsold after the 25th.
Like most rich fruit cakes, it benefits from a maturing period and being fed with some extra alcohol, though in the book it is suggested that the keeping time is 6 weeks and generally we suggest if keeping the cake for longer than this then the cake should be frozen as it will keep for a year.
The cake can be made 2 weeks ahead and stored, wrapped in a double layer of greaseproof paper (parchment paper) and a layer of foil, in an airtight container in a cool place. FREEZE NOTE: The cake can be frozen, wrapped in a double layer of clingfilm (plastic wrap) and a double layer of foil, for up to 3 months.
How to Store Fruitcake Without Alcohol? Fruitcake without alcohol won't last as long, however, its shelf life can still be maximized through proper storage techniques. Our fruitcake can last up to one month on your countertop, four months in the fridge, and six months in the freezer.
The most common duration to properly age a fruitcake is about three months. Any quicker will limit the development of complex flavors attributed to the maturing process. You can certainly age your cake for much longer than several months if you'd like, but we know how busy everyday life can be.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these seemingly indestructible pastries typically stay fresh for six months in the pantry and up to a year when refrigerated. But anecdotally we know that they can last for decades; some of the oldest have been preserved for more than a century.
“Low water activity is important because many microorganisms, including foodborne illness-causing bacteria, need moisture in order to reproduce. “In practical terms, this makes most fruitcakes extremely shelf stable, so they would be safe to eat for a long time – a really long time,” Chapman says.
I like to wrap the cake in a double layer of greaseproof paper and then in double foil. Secure it all with an elastic band, then keep it in an airtight container till needed.
"In practical terms, this makes most fruitcakes extremely shelf stable, so they would be safe to eat for a long time – a really long time," Chapman says. "But it might taste pretty bad."
Grandma's Fruitcake slices best when chilled. We recommend that you refrigerate your cake overnight or freeze it for a few hours before slicing with a Non Serrated Knife. Our fruitcakes have a 9 month shelf life.
We recommend wrapping your fruitcake in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Ensure your fruitcake and the foil do not contact one another. Then, place your wrapped cake in an airtight container and set that container in the freezer.
Whether you're gifting the traditional fruit- and nut-studded cakes or eating them at home, you should ideally start the process 6 to 7 weeks before you plan to enjoy them.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS AND SHELF LIFE : Store in cool, dry and hygienic place to protect from insects, pest and strong odors. The cake has a shelf life of 15 days from the date of manufacturing. Once Opened Consume Within 2-3 Days. Store in Airtight Container Under Refrigerated Condition.
Of course: the Christmas cake's fruity bit is the part that'll keep best. Usually, you'll need to re-ice it. Meanwhile, a frozen fruit cake can last up to a year, especially if it's been truly lathered in alcohol, which helps preserve it. Essentially, you can keep the festive treats coming all year long.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Lawanda Wiegand, I am a inquisitive, helpful, glamorous, cheerful, open, clever, innocent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
