Time flies and before you realize it’s nearly Christmas and you can’t wait to meet Santa. The decorations and preparations begin month in advance. One can’t wait to lay their hands on the treats and the cakes but making it is no quick and easy task. Preparations usually take a lot of time with the first step being the mixing process and the ceremony is known as Cake Mixing Ceremony. One such event was organized by Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar where the team was invited to take part in the exciting ceremony.
It is a ritual religiously followed the world over, and is said to be a harbinger of good tidings and happiness. To mark the birth of Jesus Christ, hotels organize cake-mixing ceremonies to spread the warmth of the festive season. People from different walks of life come together for such ceremonies and bond over an interesting process. Traditionally cake mixing used to be a family affair but the social element was never missing.
Ingredients such as dry fruits like raisins, black currants, prunes, glazed dates, cherries, candid orange, lemon rinds and nuts like cashews, pistachios and almonds were already set out on the tables alongside the ‘spirits’ and the juices overlooking the pool. The sun was about to set and the fading colours of the day turned it into a picturesque setting. We were then handed gloves and caps. Donning the complete gear made us feel like chefs in the making. Amidst a lot of chatter, the ceremony began.
We were also joined by a few in house guests who thoroughly enjoyed the process. All the dry fruits were mixed and eventually all the vessels were emptied into a huge tray one after the other. Once all the dry fruits are mixed, then comes the best part, which is pouring in the liquor. The next step is the stirring ceremony which is part of an age-old Christmas tradition of cake mixing and one making wishes for the New Year.
Happy faces pouring liquour
The ingredients of the festive fruit cake are mixed with wine and liquor in advance so that the ingredients can develop aroma and taste. Coming to modern times, it is for many years celebrated within organizations to spread camaraderie and goodwill.
Later fresh juices and honey are generously added to soak all the mixtures. Freshly ground spices are also added and tossed till the fruits and nuts are well coated. The thrill and the fun of watching all your favourite ingredients mixed together makes you also want to jump right in. Now comes the time to show some muscle power and getting your hands dirty. The ingredients get swollen because of the fluids which are stored for upto a month before it is ready to be used in cakes. The patience truly pays off when you get a perfect Christmas cake.
Crushing the fruits and nuts
Christmas indeed is a joyous time but the ceremonies give the true feel that the festive season has set in.
