dessert

Delicious Recipes to Celebrate National Banana Bread Day

Delicious Recipes to Celebrate National Banana Bread Day

National Banana Bread Day, celebrated annually on February 23, is a day to indulge in one of the most beloved treats out there. Whether you like your banana bread classic or with a twist, there’s a recipe that will satisfy your taste buds. From chocolate chip to walnut butter, the possibilities are endless when it comes to this sweet and versatile bread. In this article, we’ve rounded up some of the most delicious banana bread recipes to help you celebrate National Banana Bread Day in style. So, grab some ripe bananas and get ready to bake up a storm!

Marble Chocolate Banana Cake

This moist and flavorful cake is easy to make and features a rich and decadent chocolate swirl that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With its beautiful marble pattern and delightful combination of sweet banana and chocolate, this cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, you’re sure to love this delicious and impressive cake!

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Walnut Banana Cake

The delightful and easy-to-make cake has a soft and moist texture, with a sweet banana flavor that is perfectly balanced by the nuttiness of the walnuts. The use of mashed bananas not only adds natural sweetness to the cake but also keeps it moist for days. The walnuts add a delightful texture to every bite, making the cake a perfect tea-time snack or dessert. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this Walnut Banana Cake is sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Banana Chocolate Date Loaf

Looking for a delicious and indulgent twist on classic banana bread, try this Banana Chocolate Date Loaf recipe! The easy-to-follow loaf is soft, moist, and packed with sweet, ripe bananas and chunks of sweet dates, making each bite a burst of delicious flavor. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, whip up a batch of this delicious Banana Chocolate Date Loaf and treat yourself to a slice of pure indulgence!

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Banana Bread Waffles

waffles are made with ripe bananas and warming spices like cinnamon, giving them a sweet and cozy flavor. Top them with your favorite toppings like sliced bananas, nuts, or maple syrup for an extra sweet treat. So, if you’re in the mood for a delicious and comforting breakfast, try this Banana Bread Waffles recipe and indulge in a sweet and satisfying meal!

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Baking Tips for The Perfect Banana Bread

Follow these expert tips to bake your best banana bread, banana loaf, or banana cake.

1.  Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the better the flavor and texture of the bread. Wait until your bananas have brown spots on the skin to use them.

2. Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in dense and tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

3. Use the right flour: All-purpose flour is best for banana bread, but you can also use a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

4. Add some texture: Adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to your banana bread can give it some extra flavor and texture.

5. Use a loaf pan: A loaf pan will give your bread a uniform shape and help it cook evenly.

6. Don’t open the oven door: Resist the urge to check on your banana bread too often. Opening the oven door can cause the bread to sink or collapse.

7. Let it cool: Let your banana bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it retain its shape and prevent it from becoming too moist.

FAQs Related to National Banana Bread Day

What Is National Banana Bread Day?

National Banana Bread Day is an annual food holiday celebrated on February 23rd that honors the delicious and versatile baked good that is banana bread. On this day, people around the world celebrate by baking, eating, and sharing banana bread with friends and family. Banana bread is a type of bread made from mashed bananas, flour, sugar, and other ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or spices. It is a popular treat that can be enjoyed any time of day, whether as a breakfast bread, snack, or dessert. The holiday provides an opportunity for banana bread enthusiasts to share their favorite recipes, tips, and stories about this classic treat, and to indulge in the sweet, moist, and comforting goodness that is banana bread.

How Do We Celebrate National Banana Day?

National Banana Day is typically celebrated by enjoying and exploring the various ways to eat and use bananas. Here are popular ways you can celebrate:

  • Bake banana bread or try out a new banana-based recipe, such as banana muffins, smoothies, pancakes, or pudding. You can also get creative and try out new combinations like banana and chocolate or banana and peanut butter.

 

  • Throw a fun and festive banana-themed party with banana-themed decorations, games, and food, or host a banana-themed bake-off to see who can come up with the most creative and delicious banana dish.

 

  • Learn more about the history and culture of bananas, including their nutritional benefits, global significance, and environmental impact.

 

  • Share banana-related content on social media, using the hashtag #NationalBananaDay to join in the conversation and connect with other banana enthusiasts.

 

  • Participate in local events and activities, such as banana festivals, farm tours, or cooking classes, to explore the different ways that bananas are used in different parts of the world.

What Are Some Fun Facts About Banana Bread?

Here are some fun facts about banana bread:

1. Banana bread is a popular baked good that first gained popularity in the 1930s.


2. Banana bread can be made with a variety of different ingredients, including nuts, chocolate chips, and even peanut butter.


3. Banana bread is not only a tasty treat, but it is also a great source of nutrients. Bananas are high in fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, all of which are essential for maintaining good health.

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4 Ways to Celebrate Galentine’s Day with Your Best Girls in 2023

4 Ways to Celebrate Galentine's Day with Your Best Girls in 2023

Galentine’s Day is the perfect time to gather your gals together to celebrate friendship with festive spirit, no matter how happily single, married, or in-between relationships you are. You may have expressed gratitude to your best friend all year long, but it never hurts to take a day to go all out with the best appreciation for them. Because let’s be honest, they’re people through thick and thin. Best Galentine’s Day ideas incorporate your friend’s favorite things into the day. Are ready to learn how to celebrate this day with your best friends? Here’re some Galentine’s Day ideas your besties will love, especially if they’re foodies.

What Is Galentine's Day?

“Galentine’s Day” is a fictional holiday made famous by Leslie Knope, the main character of the TV series Parks and Recreation. In it, Leslie Knope throws her annual Galentine’s Day party the day before Valentine’s Day and celebrates with all her female friends. Since the first episode of “Galentine’s Day” aired on TV in 2010, the fictional holiday has gained a lot of attention in real life.

Why Is It Called Galentine's?

Galentine’s Day is a holiday debuted by Leslie Knope – the character in Amy Poehler’s Parks and Recreation, to celebrate her own female friends on Feb. 13. Galentine’s Day is also known as Valentine’s Day Eve. So, Essentially, the meaning of Galentine’s Day is Valentine’s Day for your gals. As Leslie put it: “Every February 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”

When Is Galentine's Day?

Galentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 13. This year, the holiday falls on Monday. Even though Galentine’s Day is not a national holiday, it has grown in popularity over the years.

How Do You Spend Galentine's Day?

Female friendship is one of the strongest bonds between people. Galentine’s Day is a day to celebrate female friendships and to show appreciation for their women friends. Women love to support their friends, are great listeners, and are always there for their friends, which is why this fictional holiday is so popular. Here’re 5 Galentine’s Day ideas for your foodie gal pals.

1. Brunch

If you get together with your friends to celebrate Galentine’s Day, follow Leslie Knope’s lead with a “breakfast-style” celebration, and treat your friends to mimosas and waffles for a Galentine’s Day brunch. As our gift to you, we’ve gathered some breakfast and breakfast-adjacent recipes that will show your appreciation in the best way possible.

2. Challenge Your Friends to a Bake Off

One of the best parts of Galentine’s Day is enjoying dessert together at the end of the evening. To create more memories with your best friends, you can host a baking competition at home. Choose a dessert recipe and see which of your friends makes it the best. If you need some inspiration, we love this Ferrero Rocher Holiday Chocolate Cake and this St.Patrick’s Day Guinness Brownie.

3. Take an Afternoon Tea

Enjoying afternoon tea with your best friends is a truly special Galentine’s Day celebration. You can book a table at a local tea room or throw an afternoon tea party at home. If you’re planning an afternoon tea party to celebrate Galentine’s Day this year, here are some delicious afternoon tea recipes to put on your tea party in style.

4. Host a Cookie Swap

For your cookie-loving friends, hosting a cookie exchange party is a sweet idea for Galentine’s Day. Let everyone bake their favorite cookie recipes, then swap them at your gathering. Check out these Galentine’s Day cookie recipes for some of the tastiest options.

10 Pieces of Essential Baking Tools We Love

Baking is an art form that requires the right tools to be successful. Your besties need to have the right baking equipment to ensure that pastries, bread, and cakes are mixed well and baked evenly on Galentine’s Day. Here’re some essential baking tools for your friends’ baking needs.

 

FAQs

What's the Difference Between Valentines and Galentine's?

Galentine’s Day is similar to Valentine’s Day, but for the gals. The holiday is observed every year on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. Galentine’s Day is geared towards celebrating female friendship.

Valentine’s Day is an annual holiday to celebrate romantic love, friendship and admiration. Valentine’s Day is celebrated each year on Feb. 14 with this year landing on Tuesday. On that day, lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts.

Is Galentine's Day Only for Singles?

Galentine’s day is a traditional celebration of women and their friends. Galentine’s Day is all about female friendship. So, whether you’re single, married, or in a relationship, you can celebrate friendship with the most important ladies in your life on Galentine’s Day.

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4 Best Ways to Celebrate National Pie Day

4 Best Ways to Celebrate National Pie Day

National Pie Day is just around the corner. As a huge fan of pies, you probably want to add some new delicious pie recipes to your yesteryear pie menu to kick this year off right. Or, as a Gen Z pie fan, you’re probably looking for new pie-related ways to celebrate National Pie Day this year. If you don’t have an idea yet, we’re here to help.

When Was National Pie Day Created?

National Pie Day is a holiday in the United States, usually celebrated on January 23. This day was started in Colorado in 1975 by a school teacher named Charlie Papazian. His birthday was January 23, and he decided to remember it forever as National Pie Day. Why did he name it Pie Day? Just because he loved pie.

Why Do We Celebrate National Pie Day?

National Pie Day, which began in 1975, is celebrated on January 23. There’s no particular reason to celebrate National Pie Day. On this day, pie lovers typically celebrate pies by baking and eating them, trying new pie recipes, and gifting pies to others to show how much they love them.

In 1986, the American Pie Council began sponsoring the day in honor of Crisco’s 75th anniversary. As a day of celebration, National Pie Day allows us to enjoy one of our favorite desserts guilt-free. Although pie exists in some form worldwide, the United States has an inextricable relationship with this dessert.

How Do You Celebrate National Pie Day?

You can celebrate National Pie Day in many ways. A classic way to celebrate National Pie Day is to spend time with friends and bake different pies. To make your National Pie Day celebration impressive and meaningful this year, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to celebrate the day.

1. Make Your Own Pies

Pies are made up of pastry crusts filled with sweet or savory ingredients. Making your pies will give you a greater appreciation for pies as you learn more about the making process and gain some new cooking skills.

National Pie Day is the best time to treat the pie lovers in your life with different delicious pies like apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and chili pie. Pie making is an art; to help you succeed, here are some delicious homemade pie recipes from Ventray for this National Pie Day.

 

2. Host a Baking Challenge

You can invite your friends, family, or co-workers to your home for the National Pie Day Baking Challenge. Sweet or savory pies, whatever their favorite, it’s always fun to bring people together who share a common interest. The pie contest winner can get creative prizes like a free lunch and even a box full of pie-baking supplies.

Which Kitchen Appliances Can You Use to Make the Best Pies in This Bake-Off Challenge?
As the saying goes, “Who wishes to do his work well must first sharpen his tools.” Here are some of the best kitchen appliances that will give your “contestants” the best cooking experience and will get their appreciation.

  • Ventray Stand Mixer
    Ventray Stand Mixer is a tilt-head stand mixer with a 500-watt, 18,000 RPM motor, 6-speed setting, and 4.5-quart stainless steel mixing bowl that will upgrade your existing baking or cooking tools without stretching your budget too much.
  • Ventray Oven
    Ventray Oven which features 12 built-in cooking settings and 26QT large capacity is an all-in-one countertop convection oven that can handle nearly all of your ingredients. It utilizes super convection technology to distribute heat evenly around the chamber, cooking food faster. This oven is worth every penny spent on its awesome functions.

3. Watch a Pie-Themed Movie

If you love pie and love movies, maybe you can try to put them together. A movie centered completely around pie would probably just make people want to eat. However, some great pie scenes in movies will make your eyes shine.

Our 2 Favorite Pie Scenes in Movies

  • Waitress (2007) – Baking a pie helps a woman remember and honor her mother
  • Labor Day (2013) – Baking a pie helps two characters find love

4. Listen to the Pie-Themed Music

Playing pie-themed music while baking and eating pies is a great thing for pie lovers. Somes songs are dedicated love songs to specific pie flavors; some songs refer to terms of endearment for lovers; some just make a casual reference to pie.

Our Top 5 Songs about Pie

National Pie Day vs National Pi Day: What's the Difference?

January 23 is National Pie Day, a time to celebrate the delicious-sounding day with comforting, delectable pie. This is a day for pie lovers everywhere to host pie parties and share pie with their friends, family, or co-workers.

National Pi Day falls March 14 ever year. It is an international holiday popular among educational institutions and math enthusiasts to celebrate the mathematical constant, π (pi), or 3.14159265359.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, 4 best ways to help celebrate National Pie Day and the holiday season! Ask for our recommendation? We think you can go either way or combine some of them, depending on your preference, to make your pie celebration the best of the year.

It’s Pie Time! Happy National Pie Day!

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Nectarine Peach Orange Tart

Nectarine Peach Orange Tart

Nectarine Peach Orange Tart

This nectarine peach orange tart combines sweet nectarines and peaches with juicy oranges in a light and flaky crust for an irresistible dessert.

With its colorful presentation, this tart will be the star of any occasion! 

For other healthy peach recipes, and peach juice recipes, view more.
#dessert #tart #pie

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of butter, melted

• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar, divided

• 2 prepared 9-inch tart shells 

• 4 large nectarines, pitted and thinly sliced 

• 3 large peaches, pitted and thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice

• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 

• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch

Directions

1. Preheat the Ventray Oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch tart pan with butter and sprinkle it with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Place the prepared tart shells into the pan and set aside.

2. In Ventray Stand Mixer, mix together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the orange juice, cinnamon and cornstarch. Add in the sliced nectarines and peaches and toss until coated.

3. Pour the mixture into the prepared tart shells and spread evenly. Drizzle with melted butter.

4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Allow to cool completely before serving. Enjoy! 

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Christmas Challah Recipe

Christmas Challah Recipe

The Christmas holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. And what better way to show your holiday spirit than by baking a delicious Challah bread?

Ingredients

• 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast

• ¼ cup of granulated sugar

• ¾ cup of tepid water

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 3 eggs

• ½ tablespoon salt

• 3 ½ cups of bread flour

Directions

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in the tepid water. Allow sitting for 10 minutes until frothy.

2. In Ventray Stand Mixer, mix together the oil, eggs, salt, and bread flour until just combined. 

3. Pour the yeast mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a soft dough forms. 

4. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.

5. Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm place for 1 ½ hour or until it has doubled in size. 

6. Punch the dough down and divide it into three equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a long, thin strand. 

7. Braid the Challah strands together and make sure to pinch the ends of the braid together. Place on an oiled baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

8. Cover with a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 minutes until the Challah has doubled in size. 

9. Preheat Ventray Oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush the top of the Challah with egg wash. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chocolate chips, if desired.

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the Challah sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. 

11. Allow cooling completely before serving. Enjoy! 

Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Gluten-Free Christmas Cake

Prep Time: 20 mins    Cook Time: 2 hours 30 mins    Total: 2 hours 50 mins    Yield: 20

Ingredients

1 kg dried mixed peel and fruit
150 ml brandy, plus extra for feeding
2 oranges (zest and juice)
200 g dark brown sugar
200 g plain gluten-free flour
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
50 g almond flour
50 g flaked almonds
50 g butter
1 tablespoon syrup
4 eggs

For decoration:
Walnuts
Blanched almonds
Glacé cherries
apricot jam

Directions

  1. Add the dried fruit and peel, brandy, and the peel and juice of two oranges to a bowl. Stir well and cover with a lid. Stirring occasionally, soak for up to 3 days.
  2. Preheat the Ventray Oven to 300 degrees F. Grease a deep tin with butter, line with a double layer of greased greaseproof paper. Secure with string.
  3. Beat the butter, sugar, and syrup with the Ventray Stand Mixer until smooth. Add the eggs and whisk again.
  4. Add the flour, mixed spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground almonds, and flaked almonds. Mix until the mixture is fully combined.
  5. Pour in the soaked fruit and mix until evenly distributed in the cake batter. Pour the mixture into the lined baking tin and level the top. Bake for 2.5 hours.
  6. Place the cake (still in the tin) on a cooling rack. Pierce the top with a skewer in multiple places, and pour over a little brandy.

To store:

  1. Take the cake out of the tin without removing the baking paper. Wrap with baking paper, and foil.
  2. Store in a cool place for up to 3 months before decorating, occasionally opening the package and spooning in 1-2 tablespoons of brandy.
  3. Make sure not to feed the cake for at least 7 days before decorating.

To Decorate:

  1. Place the apricot jam in a bowl and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm.
  2.  Brush the entire cake with jam, then decorate with your choice of walnuts, almonds, cherries, or other fruit.
  3. Store the finished cake in an airtight container.

White Christmas Cake

White Christmas Cake

The white Christmas cake topped with cream cheese and butter frosting will capture the magic of a winter wonderland and sparkle on your table.

For more Christmas Cake recipes, view more.

Prep: 35 mins    Cook: 25 mins    Yield: 16

Ingredients

4 oz chopped white candy coating
1 tbsp vanilla extracts
1 c softened butter
2 c sugar
2-1/2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 c buttermilk
1 c sweetened shredded coconut
1 c chopped pecans
4 eggs, separated
1/2 c water
Frosting:
1/2 c softened butter
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz softened cream cheese
3-3/4 c confectioners’ sugar

Directions

  1. Put egg whites in a bowl.
  2. In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat, add candy coating and stir until combined. Let it cool for 20 minutes.
  3. Preheat the Ventray Oven to 350 degrees F. Line the baking pan with parchment and grease the paper.
  4. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add egg yolks, vanilla, and candy-coating mixture, and mix well.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add buttermilk, coconut, and pecans.
  6. Beat egg whites until peaks form. Then add it to the batter.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove to wire rack.Remove parchment paper and cool completely.
    Frosting:
    1. Whisk cream cheese and butter until smooth.
    2. Stir in confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla.
    3. Spread between the layers and the top and sides of the cake.

Vegan Christmas Cake

Vegan Christmas Cake

This Vegan Christmas Cake is a rich, moist fruit cake packed with Christmas flavor from orange, lemon, cinnamon, almonds, and rum.

For more Christmas Cake recipes, view more.

Prep: 30 mins    Cook: 2 hours 10 mins    Servings: 12-15

Ingredients

1kg mixed dried fruit
1 orange (juice and peel)
1 lemon (juice and peel)
4 tablespoons chia seeds
100 g ground almonds
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/4 teaspoon clove powder
100 g flaked almonds
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
175 g plain flour
150 ml rum, plus extra for pouring
250 g coconut oil
200 g brown sugar

Directions

  1. Place the dried fruit, peel and juice, rum, coconut oil, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, until sugar dissolves. Pour the mixture into a bowl and let cool for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the Ventray Oven to 300 degrees F. Line a deep tin with a double layer of baking paper, then wrap a double layer of newspaper on the outside and secure with string. Mix the chia seeds with water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until gelatinous and thick.
  3. Put the rest of the ingredients into the fruit mixture and stir in the chia seed mix, beat well. Pour into your prepared tin, level the top, and bake in the oven for 2 hours.
  4. Take the cake out of the oven and poke some holes in it with a skewer. Pour over a little rum. Let the cake cool completely in the tin.
  5. Tear off the baking paper, then wrap well in cling film. Feed the cake with 1-2 tablespoons of rum every two weeks. Make sure not to feed the cake for at least 7 days before decorating.

Cranberry Christmas Cake

Cranberry Christmas Cake

Tart cranberries, sweet buttery cake, and wonderful textures. This Cranberry Christmas Cake is a delicious cake that is so easy to make.

For more Christmas Cake recipes, view more.

Prep: 15 mins    Cook: 50 mins    Servings: 32

Ingredients

6 eggs
4 cups sugar
1.5 cups butter, softened
24 oz fresh cranberries
2 teaspoons almond extract
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups all-purpose flour
Powdered sugar (garnish)

Directions

  1. Preheat Ventray Oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Coat the baking pan with nonstick baking spray.
  3. Beat eggs and sugar with a Ventray Stand Mixer until smooth.
  4. Add the butter, almonds, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and continue beating until smooth.
  5. Add the flour slowly, but until combined.
  6. Add the fresh cranberries, and stir the cranberries into the mixture.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
  8. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
  9. Garnish with powdered sugar.
  10. Enjoy!

Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake

Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake

This Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake is a rich fruit cake recipe filled with fruit, almonds, and brandy. It’s the perfect traditional cake for your festive feast.

For more Christmas Cake recipes, view more.

Total: 4 hours 30 mins      Serves: 30

Ingredients

300 g glace cherries, quartered, rinsed, and drained
425 g currants
250 g raisins
75 g mixed candied peels, chopped
1 lemon grated zest
1 orange grated zest
150 g instant-dried apricots, cut into pieces
60g unbleached whole almonds, chopped
300 g plain flour
1 teaspoon mixed spice
4 tablespoons brandy, plus extra for feeding
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
300 g unsalted butter, softened
300 g black saffron sugar
5 eggs
1 tablespoon dark syrup

Directions

  1. Pull all the dried fruit and candied peel into a bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of brandy and mix well. Cover with a lid, and leave to soak overnight.
  2. Preheat the Ventray Oven to 285°F. Put the rest of the ingredients except the almonds in a bowl and beat well with Ventray Stand Mixer. Stir in the soaked fruit and the nuts.
  3. Grease a deep tin with butter, line with a double layer of greased greaseproof paper. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin. Level the top.
  4. Bake for 4 to 4.5 hours or until the cake is firm to the touch and is rich golden brown. Let the cake cool in the tin.
  5. Pierce the top with a skewer in multiple places, and pour over a little brandy.
  6. Take the cake out of the tin without removing the baking paper. Wrap with baking paper, and foil.
  7. Store in a cool place for up to 3 months to mature, occasionally opening the package and spooning in 1-2 tablespoons of brandy.
  8. Decorate the cake with frosted fruit, marzipan, or ready-made frosting.