“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Monday 2 April 2012

The Simplest Boiled Fruit Cake ~ ever!

I'm aware that I haven't been writing any foodie posts lately, so today I thought I'd remedy that.
I did want to pay tribute to a special wonderful woman and had sent a note to my sister asking permission before I posted photo's of this lovely lady. Alas I'm still waiting...
You might ask why did I ask my sister for permission? Well, because the lady in question is her mother-in-law (MIL). I have some wonderful photographs but obviously I wouldn't want to post these without her agreeing. I'm sure she would be fine about it, she's just like that, but it's only right to ask isn't it?
If I receive permission at a later date, then I'll post them because this lady is one party animal...the fact that she's 86, nearly 87 in fact (cough...hope she doesn't mind that little slip of info) has nothing to do with it....
....so onto the baking and hopefully the connection will become clear....
When I first got married all those many moons ago I really seriously wasn't what you might say proficient in the kitchen. Although I could do basic meals, I really had very few recipes which I felt comfortable with producing without the aid of a safety net....that was until my sisters MIL one day just rattled off a fruit cake recipe in a few sentences!
It sounded so easy and well within my capabilities....how difficult could it be when it was so short?

 
 ....How good does that look?

This cake is deliciously moist and has worked perfectly every time for me over the years. It's like an old reliable friend. Something you can depend on to not let you down.
I've tweaked the recipe numerous times...reducing sugar, adding nuts, cherries, whatever and still it works perfectly. I've used the basics for a Christmas cake, a little alcohol added could certain work, but to be honest I feel it’s perfect the way it is, if you want a quick, easy and no mess recipe.


....When the whiff of baking brought my son downstairs last night, nose twitching he commented that it took him down memory lane...which for him isn't a long lane, but never the less still pleasant.. 
We were all extremely full from our Sunday roast dinner, but once that cake was cool enough we just had to have a warm slice with a cuppa....ahhh....mmmm..... :D
Here's the recipe which I hope you'll try...let me know what you think and I'll pass on your comments to the party animal...if I can catch up with her ;D


Fruit Cake Recipe

Boiled ingredients:
2 cups of mixed fruit
1/4 cup of butter
1 cup of sugar
1/2 cup of water

 
Method...
Boil all of the above ingredients in a pan for approx 15 minutes. Stirring occasionally.
Then take from heat and leave to cool.

Remaining ingredients:
1 cup of flour
pinch of Bicarbonnate of soda
2 beaten eggs

Method...
Add remaining ingredients above to cooled ingredients in the pan. 
Mix together.
Place mixture into a baking tin ( I use a round but a loaf tin is equally as good) 
Cook for approximately one hour on Gas Mark 4 ~ 180°C ~ 350°F or until when placing a clean skewer into the middle it comes away clean.


....Didn't I tell you it was moist....


I had to eat this particular piece that I used for the photo shoot...but looking at this again now, I think it might just be time for another tea break ;D 
Have a great week...Enjoy and keep smiling!

16 comments:

  1. OOOOh yumbo mumbo! Thank you so so so much. If there's one thing I'm a mahooosive fan of it's sharing simple (yet effective... or in this case DELICIOUS) skills - and since I love baking this is a double header! Also what a great recipe for my teenage son to try - something to hint for - for mothers day! Excuse me while I go check my pantry for certain ingredients!

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    Replies
    1. I think it's going to be a winner for you and for your son. He's going to think he's a master baker at the result I'm sure....plus there won't be too much mess and dishes to wash at the end.
      Win, win! It would be perfect for Mother's Day ;D
      Let me know how he gets on... Enjoy xox

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  2. That looks wonderful Neesie. I don't know where I would be today as a cook, had it not been for the wonderful mentors I have had through the years in my Grandmother, Aunts, mother, mother's in law, etc. They have all added to my knowledge and skill in the kitchen and I am so very grateful for all that they taught me! xxoo

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    Replies
    1. I feel the same Marie. It's so important to pass on these skills and knowledge especially to the young and when the recipe is this simple they'll certainly be converted :D
      Have a wonderful week xoxo

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  3. Your cake looks delicious! Sometimes it's the easy recipes, which can be rattled off in a minute, that are the best.

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    Replies
    1. I think your right Beth. This is certainly easy and a great one to get anyone started. :D

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  4. This looks amazing,I will definitely try it out.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Hugs

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    Replies
    1. Another point I didn't make when posting this recipe was to explain that it keeps brilliantly too!
      Have a great week and enjoy if you decide to make it...don't forget to let me know the verdict! :D

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  5. That looks gorgeous Nessie. And I love that cup, beautiful design :)

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    1. Hi Eva, well it is so goreous that there's only a little left!
      I like the cups too, but the handles can be a little tricky ;D

      Delete
  6. The best recipes are the ones that have stood the test of time. I consider it a parental duty to introduce our offspring to the joys of food and cooking. That cake looks brilliant. Maybe your son will bake it for himself one day?

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    Replies
    1. And maybe a pig might fly past the window Mark...why would he want to take the trouble to make it when Mum does the job?
      I've tried to encourage him and sometimes he's even watched, but he says his job is to do the critic and taste test!
      He know all about the joys of food...he just likes to eat it!

      What can you do...he's six foot now and too big to give a clip round the ear...I can't reach anymore! ;D

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  7. Saw the link for this on Valerie's blog and just had to make one-I will take a pic and post it on my blog 'Jumbled Crafts' tomorrow-if there is any left to take a pic as it smells yummy.

    Thank you for the recipe

    Love Chrissie xx

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    Replies
    1. Hello Chrissie,
      I'm thrilled that you liked the recipe so much so that you've decided to give it a go. It is so versitile and you can add just about anything to the mix depending on what you like. My family don't particularly go for the traditional Christmas cake (which saves me so much time and effort) but with this fruit cake given a little bit of a twist...it can make a really good replica.
      I can't wait to hear what you thought of it...I know you are going to love how it tastes. It always surprises me just how moist it is.
      Have fun :D

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  8. Added my cake to my blog and become a follower of yours Neesie

    http://jumbledcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/yummy-cake.html

    Love Chrissie xx

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    Replies
    1. Well hello there Chrissie,
      Thank you for putting a huge smile on my face today and being my latest follower ;D

      I'll pop over to your place soon...maybe you could pop the kettle on for a cuppa and I'll try a piece of your cake! hehe

      See you soon :D

      Delete

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