A slice of tradition making Christmas cake

It is time to think about making your Christmas cake, perhaps you are like me and have already got a few cakes stashed away in a dark place!

- with Karen Wright

Traditionally cakes are made in November and puddings on the last Sunday before Advent. I know a lot of people think the rich fruit cake is old fashioned and of course they would be correct.

Christmas cakes originated in medieval times and was called a plum porridge. The porridge was served on Christmas Eve after fasting. In the 16th century it evolved into cake with the addition of flour, eggs and butter. Then once the cake arrived in Victorian times it was very much like the cakes we eat today as the Victorians started the trend of decorating with marzipan and royal icing.