Christmas Cake

 

(Written on Sunday):

 

This years' Christmas cake is in the oven and the kitchen smells divine.

 

I was in two minds this year whether or not to make one. If I am being frugal, the most sensible decision would be whether I could make one for less than I could buy it.

 

Here is what I was up against:

 

 



 

Aldi do a 'Rich Round Fruit Cake' of a comparable size for £4.99.

 

I used this recipe with a bit of a tweak to use up what I had, rather than buy lots of expensive ingredients.

 



 

Here's what it cost:

225g/8oz plain flour 27p

¼ tsp salt 2p

½ tsp mixed spice 3p

½ tsp ground cinnamon 3p

200g/7oz butter 75p

200g/7oz dark brown sugar 25p

2 tbsp black treacle 50p

1 tbsp marmalade 10p

4 free-range eggs, lightly beaten 1.75

1050g/1¾lb mixed dried fruits £1.69

100g/3½oz blanched almonds, chopped £1.10

brandy - gift

Total: £6.46

 

This was included in my monthly shopping budget - but is way over the Aldi own version. Not a particularly frugal choice then - especially as there were a few items that I had to buy a whole packet of (black treacle for one!) which I wouldn't otherwise have bought.

I suppose I will know for next time. However, making a Christmas cake is a lovely British autumn ritual which feels like the right thing to be doing this misty, chilly November night. 

I will be feeding it copiously with Brandy between now and Christmas.