As Christmas is just around the corner I would like to give you this recipe as a Christmas gift and share with you what has been a Christmas tradition in our family for at least five generations that I am aware of, and  possibly goes back even further than that.

It is the original recipe for the Christmas cake that has always been the center attraction on our family’s Christmas dinner table for as far back as I can remember.

My first memories are from when as a wee girl the whole family would gather for Christmas dinner at Grandma’s place. The grand finale of the occasion was after everything had been cleared away and the dishes done, Grandma would cut us all a big slice of her cake. It really was something we all looked forward to.

Over the years the honors of making ‘The Cake’ have passed from Grandma to my Mom, then to myself and in turn on to one of my three daughters and this year my eldest granddaughter has the honor.

It is a simple inexpensive recipe that produces a beautiful moist medium textured, medium rich fruit cake. You will love it.

But first, before I get to the recipe, I have another Christmas treat  for you here.

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Now here you are, as promised, Grandma’s Original Christmas Cake Recipe

* 1lb butter (or margarine)
* 1lb currants
* 1lb raisins
* 1lb sultanas
* 1/4lb almonds
* 1/4lb walnuts
* 4 breakfast-cups flour
* 2 breakfast-cups sugar
* 10 eggs
* 1 heaped tsp baking powder
* 2 wine glasses brandy, or sherry, or rum (your preference)

Beat butter to cream, add sugar, then eggs one by one unbeaten, then beat all till smooth. Mix the baking powder with the flour. Dredge the fruit with a portion of the flour and baking powder mix. Stir the flour and the floured fruit into the mix. Stir in 1 glass of your preferred liquor. Pour the mix into a 9×12 inch baking pan. Cook in a moderate oven approximately 31/2 – 4 hours or until toothpick comes out clean.

The second glass? I’m surprised you ask. I sip that while mixing everything else. That is your reward for making such a fabulous cake )

Now to finish and decorate the cake. Of course it is your choice, but Grandma kept hers very simple and so do we. Grandma just coated hers with this buttercream frosting then placed one or two store bought decorations on top.

Buttercream Recipe:

* 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
* 1/2 cup butter or margarine*
* 1 teaspoon Clear Vanilla
* 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar (apprx 1 lb.)
* 2 tablespoons milk

Cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all the sugar has been mixed in, the icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until ready to use. For best results, keep icing bowl in refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this icing can be stored 2 weeks. Re-whip before using.

Wishing you and your family a Very Merry Christmas
Caroline Drew

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Photo credits: I would like to thank acroamatic for the use of the photo on this page.

A Baby Shower is a form of celebration that aims to welcome the newest member in the Family. Although baby showers were originally intended only for first-borns, modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the family.

Baby showers are usually organized and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the things that they need for the baby. Note, however, that there are some cultures and religious beliefs that do not consider it proper and that it is considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born.

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the following:

· “Daddy’s shower” – a men-only party for dads-to-be

· “Grandma’s shower” – a party where guests bring baby items (such as collapsible cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

· “Diaper showers” or “baby sprinkles” – a small-scale party that is usually held for succeeding Children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

It is common for a baby shower to have a theme, to which the entire party centers on. Baby shower essentials typically include games, presents, and food… and a cake!

A party is not complete without a cake, and this also applies to baby showers.

Cakes are one of the great things about baby showers, and they can be made using various basic techniques, such as the following:

1. All-in-together – this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before gradually adding the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming method – this is done by ‘creaming’ butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing method – this is done by ‘rubbing’ the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix – this is done by are first mixing the dry ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Sponge-making – this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles.

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

· Angelfood cake · Butter cake · Butterfly cake · Carrot cake · Cheesecake · Chocolate cake · Chiffon cake · Cupcake · Devil’s food cake · Fruit cake · Gingerbread · Ice cream cake · Mooncake · Pineapple upside down cake · Pound cake · Spice cake · Sponge cake

Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a Pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children’s toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

Of course, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your own. Remember that the ‘goal’ is not only to make a yummy dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.