Cake mixing, harbinger of good tidings and happiness

The children joined Mayor Pushpalatha Chikanna and Bishop of Mysore Rev Fr Thomas A Vazhapally to stir the ingredients for the preparation of the Christmas cake.
Christmas is no fun without the traditional Christmas cake and making of the cake is no quick and easy task.

The preparation for making the cake begin months in advance and the first step is the mixing of ingredients called the ‘cake mixing ceremony’. The ritual is followed world over and is believed to be a harbinger of good tidings and happiness. It is also a time for making one’s wishes for the new year.

“The mix of dry fruits like raisins, black currants, prunes, glazed dates, cherries and candid orange and lemon rinds, cashews, pistachios and almonds are blended with liquor in advance so that the ingredients develop a better aroma and taste. Originally, it has been a family and community affair and has been celebrated within the organisation to spread goodwill and camaraderie,” says Nicholas Harry, manager (food and beverages), Hotel Fortune JP palace.

Mayor Pushpalatha Chikkanna and Bishop Thomas A Vazhapally along with the orphan children to stir mix. As the liquor (wine) was poured the children and the guests turned ecstatic. A large quantities of liquor, fresh juices, honey were generously added to soak all the mixtures during the event. Fresh ground spices are added in the mix and tossed till the fruits and nuts are well coated.

“The mix is emptied into large vat like containers and stored till a couple of days before Christmas with occasional stirring in between – to ensure the nuts soak till they are swollen. The JP palace would hold a gala event of cake cutting on the eve of Christmas,” the manager told this newspaper.