THE CHRISTMAS CAKE TEST

Christmas is fast approaching and the season holds a variety of emotions for many people. Many embark on great celebration and festivity. Ironically, it is often the season associated with high suicide rates and deep depression. Whilst families gather and celebrate their togetherness, others are isolated and lonely. Whilst some thrive in the fruits of their labour, others search for food and friendship. It sometimes happens too that amidst joviality and happiness too, people become melanchony and reflectve. Perhaps none of us are immune to the emotive turbulence of the season.

In my own childhood household, the emphasis at Christmastime was on family and togetherness. We lived on a farm and the task of baking a Christmas cake took days. My dad had constructed a specially designed box which was then carefully lined by my mom with layers of brown paper and tin foil. Ingredients for the cake were ordered from our local supplier and spices were carefully gathered for the event. When it came to the mixing and baking of the cake, we all congregated in the old farm kitchen and took part in the occasion. Some of us were responsible for the wood fire, others for the cake tin's lining, some for the mixing and some to ensure the correct ingredients were put in. It was an enriching family affair, permeated with comforting aromas of cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon.

When I got married, I carried the tradition into my new household. At first it was only the two of us. This meant really hard work since the recipe had plently of ingredients and without a large electric mixer, became a physical feat. Nevertheless, the "togetherness" of the event remained. It was a time of relationship building and when the kids came along, it morphed into a time of communal fun, sharing and relaxing. Aromas in the kitchen - again of cloves, ginger, cinnamon and the like - became associated with happiness and goodwill.

As the years went on and friends were drawn into the household, the "Christmas Cake" occasion remained a highlight. Indeed, the joke in our household, when our girls bring in potential partners, is that they will have to "Undergo the Christmas Cake Test!". It means that they will be responsible for the mixing of the cake while every one else pours in the various ingredients. It isn't really a "Test", but rather an acknowledgement of the importance of that person in our lives. And again the aromas of the cake are associated with a memorable occasion.

I have always believed in the high value of the home in people's lives and my own purpose has been to follow this cause. The Christmas Cake has become symbolic, to me, of this value and our need to preserve the sanctity of our homes. I would like to encourage you, to employ the Christmas Cake occasion in your own home. Let it become your symbol of your togetherness and the value of people in your lives.

Here is the recipe:

MOM'S CHRISTMAS CAKE

4 CUPS FLOUR

2 CUPS SUGAR

1 LB BUTTER

10 EGGS (SEPERATED)

1 TSP BICARB

1/2 TEASPOON EACH OF CINNAMON, NUTMEG, GINGER AND SALT

1/4 TEASPOON CLOVES

1 LB CURRANTS

1/2 LB PEEL

1 LB SULTANAS

1 LB RAISINS

1/2 LB CHERRIES

1/2 LB FLAKED ALMONDS

1/2 CUP BRANDY

1 TSP COCOA

Cream the butter and sugar well. Add the yolks on at a time, beating well all the time. Add flour gradually. Mix bicarb with a little milk and then add all the spices, fruit, brandy and well beaten egg whites.

Line cake tin with foil and grease proof paper.

Bake about 3 hours (160-180C)

Enjoy the time together!!!