CIVIL WAR CAKE for CHRISTMAS

Good for Company. Or, in these days, good for just one or two. Yum Yum. Polish it off with wine or earl Grey tea.....

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet, the words repeat of peace on earth , goodwill to men..."

                                                  -Longfellow

Lovely, soft tea cake. Good whenever and however........

1 lb raisins or not , if you wish., 2 cups water,2 cups sugar (1 white & 1 brown)

1 cup shortening,4 1/2 cups cake flour,1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons cinnamon,2 teaspoons baking soda,1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon clove

1 cup nuts (optional)

"Peace on earth held in the stars' yoke..." Clemens Brentano

·        Combine raisins, sugar, 1 cup of water, shortening, salt & spices in a saucepan.

·        Bring to a boil, simmer 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, then cool till lukewarm, then add the other cp of water.

·        Dissolve soda in 2 teaspoons of water.

·        set aside. Stir sifted & measured flour into raisin mixture & beat until smooth.

·        Add dissolved soda last. Pur into greased floured 13x9  

                                           Bake for 50 mins

"The true beauty of Christmas is revealed...." -Michael Johnson

May also be served in a tube pan. Adjust times.

Whip up some whipped cream and plop that on. Yum.

I wouldn't freeze it. So much nicer the day you make it.

My favourite way to serve it is to slice and slather with strawberry jam

"Christmas is filled with joy and laughter..." -Wayne Chirisa

"Let the sky  celebrate....." -Noha  El-Din

Photographs 2020