Christmas Fruit Soak

Tis the season to be jolly! Christmas' just round the corner and it's time to prepare for annual fruit cake bake. First, soak the fruits. I'm making fruit cakes with 2 different fruit soaks. Which will be better? Shall update after we've tasted both cakes. 

Recipe 1

270g raisins

300g sultanas

130g cranberries

80g dried ginger

70g dried apricots

60g mixed peel

Zest and juice of 1 orange

55g caster sugar

170ml cherry brandy

Recipe 2

200g cranberries

200g sultanas

200g raisins

125g currants

100g apricots

60g mixed peel

45g candied ginger 

55ml Orange juice (I used ready ones) 

1 cinnamon stick 

170ml drambuie (spiced whisky)

*Both recipes use the same method*

1. Mix all the fruits together in a large mixing bowl.

2. Add the zest and a stick of cinnamon. (I'm doing 2 portions)

3. Measure out the brandy. (You can use rum too.)

4. Dissolve the sugar in about 110ml of Orange juice by heating over low heat, do not boil. Add the orange juice to the alcohol. 

5. Pour the alcohol mix to the fruit mix and mix well. 

6. Store in a large container, stirring everyday till ready to use. Soak for at least a week and up to 6 weeks.

Looking forward to baking the fruit cake soon! 

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NIV)