Traditional British Fruitcake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 200g mixed dried fruit (raisins, sultanas, and currants)
• 100g glacé cherries, halved
• 100g mixed nuts, roughly chopped
• 250g dark brown sugar
• 175g unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 250g plain flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• A splash of brandy or orange juice

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C for fan ovens) and line a 20cm round cake tin with baking parchment.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the brandy or orange juice.
4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this into the butter mixture.
5. Now, gently mix in the dried fruit, glacé cherries, nuts, and the zests of lemon and orange until evenly distributed.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours or until a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For a festive touch, once cooled, wrap the cake in marzipan and royal icing, or simply dust with icing sugar. This rich fruitcake improves with age, so don’t hesitate to make it a few weeks in advance! Enjoy each slice with a warm cup of tea during the chilly months.

Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Bagels Recipe

For those who appreciate the delightful balance of sweet and savoury, these sourdough cinnamon raisin bagels offer a comforting twist on the classic bagel. The process may take a bit of time, but the rewards are well worth it.

Start by revitalising your sourdough starter, ensuring it’s bubbly and active. In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of strong white bread flour with 300ml of water, 100g of your lively starter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then fold in 150g of plump raisins and a generous tablespoon of ground cinnamon.

Allow the dough to rise for several hours or overnight in a cool place until it has roughly doubled in size. Once risen, divide the dough into equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then poke a hole through the centre and gently stretch to form a bagel shape.

After a short rest, prepare a pot of boiling water infused with a touch of honey for a glossy finish. Boil each bagel for about a minute on each side before transferring them to a baking tray lined with parchment. Bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (200°C for fan ovens) for around 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Let them cool slightly before devouring them fresh with a smear of butter or cream cheese. The combination of sourdough tang, sweet cinnamon, and juicy raisins promises a delightful start to your day. Enjoy!