Luxury Chocolate Fruit Cake with Rum - Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season!

ChristmasEve may be the most enchanted evening of all. So much legend, myth, and mystery, both religious and secular, are part of the night of December 24. And for those who celebrate Christmas, there are more personal and family traditions attached to this night than to any other night of the year.

In some households, the main holiday celebration is held on Christmas Eve, with a big dinner and the opening of the gifts before or afterwards. In other homes decorating the tree and then setting out milk and cookies for Santa is the big event. I love to bake and share with family and friends something sweet and special every Christmas. This year I baked an amazing Luxury Chocolate Fruit Cake with Rum, so good that you wish to bake it for every holiday-)) I like a surprise ending to a nice dinner, and this elegant-looking cake, with its wonderful combination of textures and flavors, finishes this holiday meal with a bang.

What is your tradition for Christmas Eve?



My flower arrangements are getting better every day. This one one of my favorite. I have made a postcards from this beautiful image, if you like I will send you one. Just email me your address.

Happy Holidays my dear readers!!

To wish you all the happiness
This beautiful time of year can bring.
Have a wonderful Christmas.



Fruit Cake with Rum

Serves: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (90g) dried apricots, chopped
• 1/2 cup (90g) golden raisins
• 1 cup (170g) mixed dried cranberries and cherries
• 1 cup hazelnuts, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2/3 cup other dried fruits (prunes, dates, dark raisins)
• zest of one orange (preferably organic)
• juice from one orange
• 1/2 cup molases
• 1/2 cup rum (you can also use Grand Marnier, brandy, cognac or whisky) + 1/3 cup for the top
• 7 Tbsp. (100g) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup best-quality lemon or orange marmalade ( I used homemade Candied Lemon Zest)
• 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 3 Tbsp. best-quality unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 medium eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• confectioners sugar for dusting
• chocolate decorations (optional)

Directions:

In a large saucepan melt the butter. Add all dried fruits, orange zest, orange juice, molasses, rum, brown sugar, lemon marmalade and spices. Slowly bring to the boil. Simmer for 5-7 minutes. Let it cool for about 30 minutes.

In a meantime preheat the oven to 300F and lightly oil the cake pan.

In the large bowl sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and baking powder. Whisk together eggs and vanilla extract, then add the egg mixture to the sweet fruit mixture. Mix well. Add flour and mix until all ingredients are combined. Pour the batter into prepared cake pan. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours or until wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool the cake completely. Remove from the cake pan and make a few holes with a fork. Pour the rest of the rum and let it sit for 15 minutes. Wrap the cake and place it in a cool place until ready to serve.

To serve: generously dust the confectioners sugar top of the cake and place chocolate decorations.

Inspired by Carina-forum Old-Fashined English Fruit Cake