Nigella has caused an uproar declaring classic Christmas cake dead, and cheering for chocolate Christmas cake. Social media militia are up in arms, cancelling Nigella and chocolate both, because CC (Christmas cake) is a must.
But guess what – it isn’t. And I completely agree with Nigella that nobody likes it, even if they won’t admit it, Christmas militia included. Everyone should bake and prepare what their Christmas table will welcome most, not what’s de rigeur.
Which means poor little moi will be baking traditional panettone, as that’s what my crowd love and demand.
They are not alone: clearly English Chrimbo cake with all the booze and marzipan on top has been beaten by Italian panettone. Is it EURO 2020 over again?!
But I’m not going to complain: I love panettone and, the toil and trouble that it is, the results are immensely rewarding. And I can’t stand Christmas cake.
Unless it’s the Polish-style version, delicious fruitcake made with the recipe three generations old! It can be made in a couple of hours, won’t destroy your arteries and needs next to no booze in the batter – thus leaving the rum, the port and the brandy for much better (drinking) purposes.
Next on the list is Stollen, laden with fruit or swirled with nut filling. For the more adventurous, or the Germans and Poles – Mohnstollen with sweet poppy seed filling might be enticing.
Going north now: a brand new recipe for a Christmas bread-cake is Danish kringle. It’s a very simple to make pastry, and don’t let the yeast in the ingredients spook you: it’s more pastry than bread, and a really easy bake.
Since we’re in Scandinavia now, I must mention julekake, the Norwegian Christmas bread, and Swedish cinnamon star. For an unusual bread, you might try Finnish joululimppu which is dark, slightly sweet and spiced, and still perfect for ham or turkey sandwiches.
For an easy option, try cranberry gingerbread cake. And if you only want to bake biscuits, there are lebkuchen, gingerbread biscotti and almond ricciarelli.
I also have a new recipe for Christmas pudding, and it’s the delightful and easy South African malva pudding with vanilla cream sauce. For more recipes and inspiration, take a peek at Christmas recipe section. Happy baking!