Baking in America

As has become tradition, the end of October is when I start the Christmas Cakes. Having moved house, city, country, I am having to rebuild my baking supplies from scratch. I realised that this could prove to be a bit of challenge, as most 'Home Baking' aisles in the supermarkets appear to look like this: -

So - Christmas Cakes are fruit cakes and therefore the main ingredients to source were the dried fruits. First thing I've learned - dried fruit is not considered a baking ingredient. They are found either in the snacking aisles and therefore in small 1 portion sized little packets - or in the 'buy in bulk' aisles. These are actually good fun. You can buy all manner of different flours, granolas, nuts, pulses and yes - dried fruit! I'm hoping golden raisins are the same as sultanas - they must be mustn't they?

Next - the search was on for candied peel and glace cherries. I tried Safeway, Walmart, Target, Draegers, World Foods, Trader Joes and Farmer Sprouts...nope. I could get them on Amazon but... see previous blogs. So I went for a plan B and we have Christmas Cakes with an American Twist. (#Fingerscrossedthisworks)

And then there is 'mixed spice'. This, I have discovered' is a British thing - it doesn't exist over here. So I had a quick look on the internet for 'which spices make up mixed spice' and have cobbled together something vaguely resembling it with what I had already managed to find in the spices aisles. (#Fingerscrossedthisworks)

Eggs, butter, plain flour (thank goodness - no SR flour here - well there is but it's not the same as UK SR flour), treacle, almonds etc. all okay and fairly easy to locate. So cakes baked and ready to be drip fed brandy over the coming weeks.

And then it's time for the marzipan...haven't seen that here either - may have to make my own - I've found the almond flour! (#Fingerscrossedthisworks). Of course all this brings another anxious thought - will there be mince pies?!