Welcome to the world of delectable delights! Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more? In this article, we will guide you through the art of creating the perfect free-range fruitcake, a festive treat that combines the goodness of fresh fruits with the warmth of homemade flavors. Get ready to indulge in a taste of tradition as we explore the secrets behind this classic dessert.
Let's cook with our recipes!
FREE RANGE FRUITCAKE
Steps:
- Combine dried fruits, candied ginger and both zests. Add rum and macerate overnight, or microwave for 5 minutes to re-hydrate fruit.
- Place fruit and liquid in a non-reactive pot with the sugar, butter, apple juice and spices. Bring mixture to a boil stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for at least 15 minutes. (Batter can be completed up to this point, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before completing cake.)
- Heat oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine dry ingredients and sift into fruit mixture. Quickly bring batter together with a large wooden spoon, then stir in eggs one at a time until completely integrated, then fold in nuts. Spoon into a 10-inch non-stick loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done. If not, bake another 10 minutes, and check again.
- Remove cake from oven and place on cooling rack or trivet. Baste or spritz top with brandy and allow to cool completely before turning out from pan.
- When cake is completely cooled, seal in a tight sealing, food safe container. Every 2 to 3 days, feel the cake and if dry, spritz with brandy. The cake's flavor will enhance considerably over the next two weeks. If you decide to give the cake as a gift, be sure to tell the recipient that they are very lucky indeed.
FREE RANGE FRUITCAKE
Make and share this Free Range Fruitcake recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Blue Peacock
Categories Dessert
Time P1DT1h
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- Combine dried fruits, candied ginger and both zests.
- Add rum and macerate overnight, or microwave for 5 minutes to rehydrate fruit.
- Place fruit and liquid in a non-reactive pot with the sugar, butter, apple juice and spices.
- Bring the mixture to a boil stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool for at least 15 minutes.
- (Batter can be completed up to this point, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before completing cake.).
- Heat oven to 325 degrees.
- Combine dry ingredients and sift into fruit mixture.
- Quickly bring batter together with a large wooden spoon, then stir in eggs one at a time until completely integated, then fold in nuts.
- Spoon into a 10-inch non-stick loaf pan and bake for 1 hour; check for doneness by inserting toothpick into the middle of the cake.
- If it comes out clean, it's done.
- If not, bake another 10 minutes, and check again.
- Remove cake from oven and place on cooling rack or trivet.
- Baste or spritz top with brandy and allow to cool completely before turning out from pan.
- When cake is cooled completely, seal in a tight sealing, food safe container.
- Every 2 to 3 days, feel the cake and if dry, spritz with brandy.
- The cake's flavor will enhance considerably over the next two weeks.
FREE RANGE FRUITCAKE
Steps:
- Combine dried fruits, candied ginger and both zests. Add rum and macerate overnight to re-hydrate fruit. Place fruit and liquid in a non-reactive pot with the sugar, butter, apple juice and spices. Bring mixture to a boil stirring often, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for at least 15 minutes. (Batter can be completed up to this point, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before completing cake.) Heat oven to 325 degrees. Combine dry ingredients and sift into fruit mixture. Quickly bring batter together with a large wooden spoon, then stir in eggs one at a time until completely integrated, then fold in nuts. Spoon into a 10-inch non-stick loaf pan and bake for 1 hour. Check for doneness by inserting toothpick into the middle of the cake. If it comes out clean, it's done. If not, bake another 10 minutes, and check again. Remove cake from oven and place on cooling rack or trivet. Baste or spritz top with brandy and allow to cool completely before turning out from pan. When cake is completely cooled, seal in a tight sealing, food safe container. Every 2 to 3 days, feel the cake and if dry, spritz with brandy. The cake's flavor will enhance considerably over the next two weeks. If you decide to give the cake as a gift, be sure to tell the recipient that they are very lucky indeed.
Tips:
- Prep Your Fruit: Before starting, ensure your dried fruits are plump and juicy. If they are dry, soak them in hot water or fruit juice for about 30 minutes to soften them up.
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: When selecting ingredients, opt for the best quality possible. This will greatly enhance the overall flavor of your fruitcake.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, heavy fruitcake. Mix just until the ingredients are well combined.
- Use a Variety of Fruits: Experiment with different dried fruits to create a unique flavor profile. Consider using a combination of raisins, currants, cherries, dates, and apricots.
- Soak Your Fruitcake: After baking, soak your fruitcake with a mixture of fruit juice, brandy, or rum. This will help preserve the cake and keep it moist.
- Patience is Key: Fruitcake is a cake that matures over time. Allow it to age for at least a month before enjoying it. The flavors will develop and deepen during this period.
Conclusion:
With careful preparation, attention to detail, and a touch of patience, you can create a delicious and festive fruitcake that will be enjoyed by all. Experiment with different flavor combinations and decorations to make your fruitcake truly unique. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or a more contemporary twist, there is a fruitcake out there for everyone to savor. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a delightful baking journey that will fill your home with the irresistible aromas of the holidays.
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