PLUM CAKE/X'MAS CAKE

Helloooo folks....MERRY CHRISTMAS to one and all.....Christmas has always been a wonderful time since childhood. Lot of fond memories are associated with Christmas. Of course it was always about  holidays that comes after looong tiring  exams and the last day of examination we used to have x'mas celebrations ...Once i became  Virgin Mary for the nativity scene with a real 7 month old baby in my hands as the baby Jesus:)...i still remember how the baby looked at me in my hands.May be he din't like all those make up in me . He showed his dislike by crying sooo loud..All the guests and audience were surprised to see a real baby .never before or after i have seen a real baby for a nativity scene:)))

Coming to present...I decided to give it a  try on  x'mas cake this time.I hated plum cake or x'mas cake right from childhood ..It was the black raisins i hated the most.It used to give a burnt taste which spoiled my taste buds.But this time i wanted to try a plum cake for x'mas sake  or for "blog" sake:)))....AND i am glad i tried:))))...I loved every bit of this cake....The original recipe called for black raisins..But i was very careful .I used the normal brown raisins.I added more nuts and tutti fruties and cherries than raisins.Plus i skipped  the traditional soaking the dry fruits in rum or so .The color the texture and the taste...everything was perfect with this yummy cake

INGREDIENTS

1. all purpose flour -1 cup
2. butter - 2/3 cup  
3. sugar - 3/4 cup
4.   eggs - 3
5. chopped cashews - 1/4 cup
6. raisins - 1/3 cup
7. chopped dates ,cherries,tutti fruty ,orange peels etc - 1/4 cup
8. cinnamon powder -1/2 tsp
9. clove powder - 1/2 tsp
10. baking powder - 1tsp
11. vanilla extract - 1tsp
12. sugar - 2/3 cup
13. a pinch of salt

for the caramel syrup

1. sugar - 1/2 cup
2. water - 1/4 cup

METHOD

• in a pan melt the sugar slowly in medium heat
• it will first melt and then turn into a dark brown goop.keep stirring and let it turn a deep dark caramel colour
• turn off heat and add about 1/4 cup water
• turn the heat back on and slowly heat the caramel mixture until sugar dissolves
• let this cool aside
• pre heat oven at 180 degrees for 10 minutes
• mix the dry fruits and nuts with around 2 tbsp flour and coat it completely.this is to avoid the dry fruits n nuts to sink to the bottom of the batter 
• in a bowl mix the flour baking powder spices and salt and mix well
• in another bowl mix butter and sugar until fluffy
• add vanilla essence and mix
• next add one egg and beat.now add the flour mixture little and mix. likewise alternatively add egg and flour mixture and mix well
• add the cooled caramel and the dry fruit and nuts and gently fold in
• pour the batter into a well greased pan
• bake for about 30-35 minutes or when a skewer inserted comes out clean
• allow the cake to cool completely 
• slice and enjoy