Recipe: Rich Christmas Cake Without Dried Fruit – A Festive Delight for All

When you think of Christmas cake, the image of a rich, dark cake packed with dried fruit often comes to mind. 

However, for those allergic to dried fruits, the traditional recipe can seem a little out of reach. But worry not, because this alternative version is just as indulgent, without a raisin or currant in sight! 

This rich Christmas cake, full of festive spices, nuts, and fresh fruit, will fill your home with the same comforting aromas while keeping your celebrations allergen-free.

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

250g unsalted butter (softened)

200g dark brown sugar

4 large eggs

300g plain flour

100g ground almonds

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

100g chopped nuts (pecans, almonds, or walnuts – your choice!)

200g grated fresh apple (choose a firm variety like Granny Smith)

150g fresh or frozen cranberries (if you prefer a touch of tartness)

Zest of 1 orange

Zest of 1 lemon

100ml orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

For Decoration:

200g marzipan

400g fondant icing

Festive decorations (e.g. edible gold stars, sugar snowflakes, or holly)

Method:

Prepare the Cake Tin

Preheat your oven to 150°C (130°C fan). Grease a deep, 20cm round cake tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment. Make sure to double-line the sides if you want to protect your cake from overbaking, especially since this cake will need a long, slow cook.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. This can take a good 3–5 minutes. Don’t rush – this step helps to ensure a tender cake.

Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well between each addition. If the mixture looks like it’s curdling, add a tablespoon of the flour to bring it back together.

Mix in the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the plain flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger). Sift these into the wet mixture, gently folding them in until just combined.

Fold in the Fresh Ingredients

Stir in the chopped nuts, grated apple, fresh cranberries, orange zest, lemon zest, and orange juice. These will add texture, moisture, and a natural sweetness to your cake, making up for the absence of dried fruit.

Bake the Cake

Spoon the mixture into your prepared tin and level the top with the back of a spoon. Bake for 2–2½ hours, checking after 2 hours. The cake is done when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. If the cake starts browning too quickly, cover it with a sheet of foil.

Cool the Cake

Once baked, leave the cake to cool in its tin for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is essential for the cake to set properly.

Decorating Your Christmas Cake:

Once your cake is fully cooled, it’s time for the fun part: decorating! Roll out your marzipan to about 0.5cm thickness and cover the entire cake, smoothing the sides and top. Leave it to set for a few hours or overnight if possible.

After the marzipan has set, roll out the fondant icing and cover the cake in the same way. Now you can add your personal festive touch with edible decorations – whether that’s simple sugar snowflakes, shimmering gold stars, or a classic holly and berries design.

Storage:

This cake keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight tin, making it perfect to bake ahead. While it doesn’t contain dried fruit that traditionally preserves a Christmas cake, it still lasts well for up to 2 weeks, staying moist and rich in flavour.

Final Thoughts:

This rich Christmas cake offers all the luxury of the festive season, minus the dried fruit. Its moist texture, packed with nuts, fresh apple, cranberries, and spices, makes it a showstopper for anyone at your Christmas table. Plus, it’s an ideal alternative for those who need a cake that’s allergen-friendly without compromising on that festive indulgence we all love. Happy baking and Merry Christmas!

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DAABON Launches World’s First Carbon Neutral Palm Oil

DAABON UK, which is part of the DAABON group, a global leader in sustainable agriculture, has launched the world’s first carbon-neutral organic palm oil.

While many palm oil companies worldwide are focused on trying to meet the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), DAABON is not only ready for that regulation but is preparing for the future, with its carbon neutral palm oil.

DAABON’s carbon-neutral organic palm oil has a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculated CO2eq of -977kg per tonne, cradle to gate, making it ideal for palm oil users who are serious about sustainability and cutting their Scope 3 carbon emissions. The carbon footprint of DAABON’s organic palm oil compares extremely favourably to industry averages, including for certified sustainable palm oil.

The carbon-neutral organic palm oil comes from Daabon’s CI Tequendama SAS mill in northern Colombia. The LCA was conducted using Ecopalma’s carbon footprint estimation tool, harmonised with the ISO 14067 standard.

The full LCA can be found at https://www.daabon.com/en/sustainability_studies.

Globally, the average carbon footprint of conventional palm oil is +5,340kg CO2eq per tonne, with RSPO certified sustainable segregated palm oil averaging +3,410kg per tonne and best-in-class RSPO certified sustainable palm oil averaging +1,470kg per tonne. The average across DAABON’s two mills is +150kg per tonne.

The palm oil industry is making significant strides in sustainability, driven by voluntary certification schemes like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and new legislation like the upcoming European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Introducing the first carbon-neutral palm oil represents another huge step forward, as Manuel Davila, MD of DAABON UK and EU, explains:

“Tackling the carbon footprint is the natural next step in making palm oil truly sustainable – and we’re delighted to have achieved this milestone. We genuinely believe DAABON carbon-neutral palm oil sets the gold standard for sustainability worldwide.

“Our next step is to replicate this at our other refinery, with the eventual goal of making all the palm oil we offer become carbon-negative and climate-positive. Of course, there is still some way to go to cut the emissions associated with onward transport and global shipping – but it’s a fantastic start that will help our customers to cut their Scope 3 emissions and drive significant sustainability improvements.”

DAABON is firmly committed to sustainability, providing fully traceable to the farm, organic, certified sustainable and EUDR-compliant palm oil. The company holds a series of sustainability accreditations, including RSPO, Fair Trade, Regenerative Organic Certification, Organic Certification, and Non-GMO Project.

Today, as a signatory of The Climate Pledge, DAABON is committed to having net zero carbon emissions by 2040, exemplifying its ongoing commitment to combat climate change.

The company is also rated as the most transparent palm oil producer in the world by SPOTT for its ESG policies. SPOTT is a tool developed by the Zoological Society of London to track transparency and support sustainability across the palm oil, timber and natural rubber supply chains.

DAABON carbon-neutral palm oil is available now.

Additional information about DAABON UK can be found at https://www.daabonuk.com and internationally at https://www.daabon.com/en

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Hosting a Cheese and Wine Party to Raise Funds for a Good Cause

If you're looking for an enjoyable and sophisticated way to raise funds for a good cause, a cheese and wine party might be the perfect choice, if you are not keen on the idea we previously mentioned a cake and coffee or cake and ale event. 

Combining indulgence with philanthropy, this type of event is not only an excellent opportunity to support a charity but also a chance to enjoy good company, delicious food, and fine wines.

Whether you’re a seasoned event organiser or hosting for the first time, a cheese and wine party can be a relatively simple yet highly effective way to gather donations and raise awareness for your chosen charity.

Why a Cheese and Wine Party?

Cheese and wine parties have a timeless appeal. The relaxed and elegant atmosphere they create is ideal for engaging people in conversation and inspiring generosity. There’s something special about pairing different varieties of cheese with carefully selected wines that instantly adds a sense of occasion.

It’s a versatile event too. You can host it at home, in a community centre, or even at a local venue willing to donate space. Best of all, it can be adapted to suit any group size—from an intimate gathering of friends to a larger community event.

Planning Your Cheese and Wine Fundraiser

To make your cheese and wine party a success, there are a few key steps to take during the planning process.

1. Set Your Date and Venue

Choose a date that will attract the most attendees. Weekends are often the best choice for relaxed social events. As for the venue, consider your home or a friend's house if the guest list is small. For larger parties, explore local community centres or venues like a wine bar, restaurant, or vineyard. Sometimes, local businesses will offer a discount or even sponsor part of the event if it’s for charity.

2. Choose Your Cheese and Wine Selection

The heart of your event is, of course, the cheese and wine! Offer a variety of cheeses that will cater to different tastes, including hard, soft, blue, and goat cheeses. You could include favourites like a sharp cheddar, creamy brie, tangy Stilton, and a mild gouda. Pair each cheese with an appropriate wine—red, white, or sparkling.

For those less familiar with wine pairings, you can seek advice from a local wine shop or do some research to find complementary options. Another idea is to offer tasting notes or brief descriptions next to each pairing to make it more interactive and educational for guests.

3. Consider a Ticketed Entry or Donation-Per-Glass System

Decide how to structure your fundraising. You could charge a set amount for entry, which includes a selection of wines and cheeses, or set a price per glass or per pairing. Alternatively, you could set up a donation system where people give what they can or feel inclined to after enjoying the evening.

Make sure to advertise that the proceeds are going directly to your chosen charity and provide information on how the money will be used.

4. Engage Your Charity or your church

To maximise the impact of the evening, it’s essential to involve your charity directly. Display information about the cause you're supporting, either through leaflets, posters, or even a short speech during the event. If possible, invite someone from the charity to attend and talk about their work. This personal connection can inspire more donations and deepen your guests’ understanding of the cause.

5. Add Some Fun Elements

While the cheese and wine are the stars of the show, adding a few extra touches can help boost engagement and fundraising. You could host a silent auction, raffle, or quiz to raise additional funds. Another idea is to hold a "wine pull," where attendees pay to randomly select a bottle of wine, with the possibility of winning a premium vintage.

If you want to add an educational element, consider inviting a sommelier or cheese expert to host a tasting workshop, guiding your guests through the different flavours and textures. This not only enhances the experience but also adds value to the ticket price.

Promote Your Event

Spreading the word about your cheese and wine fundraiser is key to ensuring a good turnout. Use social media, community boards, and word of mouth to reach potential attendees. Make sure to emphasise that it's a charity event, and explain how their participation will make a difference.

Encourage friends and family to bring others along, and consider offering a discount for group bookings to attract more guests.

The Benefits of Hosting a Cheese and Wine Party

A cheese and wine party is more than just an opportunity to indulge; it’s a chance to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to your heart. The casual yet refined atmosphere encourages guests to engage with the charity on a deeper level while enjoying a memorable evening.

This type of event also has the potential to become a regular fixture, allowing you to continue raising funds over time. Whether you host annually, biannually, or seasonally, each party can grow in scale and support for your chosen cause.

Conclusion

Hosting a cheese and wine party is a fantastic way to gather people in the name of a good cause while offering a delightful experience. With the right planning, a well-curated selection of cheeses and wines, and a touch of creativity, your event can raise valuable funds and bring attention to a charity that matters to you. It’s a winning combination of enjoyment and generosity that benefits everyone involved.

So, gather your guests, pour the wine, serve the cheese, and toast to making a difference!

Hosting Cake and Ale (or Cake and Coffee) Parties to Raise Funds for Charity

One of the most enjoyable ways to support a charitable cause is by hosting a cake and ale (or cake and coffee) party. 

These events combine the delightful simplicity of a good cup of coffee, a refreshing ale, and a slice of cake with the powerful impact of fundraising for those in need. 

If you're thinking about organising a charity event, a cake and ale or coffee party can be a low-cost, highly engaging way to bring people together for a good cause.

Why Cake and Ale or Coffee Parties?

Unlike more formal fundraising events, a cake and ale (or coffee) party has a casual, welcoming vibe that encourages community participation. There’s something universally appealing about gathering over homemade bakes and drinks. It doesn’t require a great deal of planning, and the relaxed atmosphere allows guests to connect with each other and learn more about the charity you're supporting.

It’s also an accessible way for anyone to contribute. Many people may shy away from large donations but feel comfortable offering a smaller sum in exchange for something tangible – in this case, a delicious slice of cake or a refreshing drink.

Planning Your Cake and Ale or Coffee Party

To ensure your fundraising event is a success, it’s important to consider a few key points during the planning phase.

1. Set a Date and Location

Choose a date that works for your community. If it’s a work or school-related event, weekends are often the best time. A central, easy-to-access location is crucial. Consider hosting it at home, a community centre, or a local pub or café, if they’re willing to donate the space for the cause.

2. Create a Menu

While cake is the star of the show, you don’t need to stop there. Offer a variety of cakes and bakes to suit different tastes and dietary requirements. Whether it's classic Victoria sponges, rich brownies, gluten-free options, or even savoury bakes, variety will help attract more attendees. Pair the cakes with a selection of drinks—tea, coffee, and perhaps, ale for a more traditional touch.

If you have baking talents within your community, encourage friends or family to contribute cakes. The more, the merrier!

3. Price Your Bakes

Pricing can be tricky, but the goal is to raise as much money as possible while ensuring guests feel they’re getting value for their donation. Consider a suggested donation per slice of cake or a set price for an entry ticket, which could include a couple of slices of cake and a drink.

Alternatively, you can have a “pay what you feel” donation system, which can work well if your guests are keen on the cause and feel generous.

4. Involve Your Charity or church

Make sure you promote the charity you are raising funds for throughout the event. You can display posters or banners that explain the charity’s mission and why it is important. Include a donation box for those who wish to contribute more and provide information on how they can continue supporting the charity after the event.

5. Spread the Word

Promoting your cake and ale or coffee party is key. Use social media, local community boards, and word of mouth to get the message out. Create a fun event page or invite your friends and colleagues directly. Emphasise that it's not just about enjoying cakes and drinks, but also supporting a meaningful cause.

Make It Fun and Engaging

Adding some light activities can make the event even more enjoyable. Consider a bake-off competition where guests can vote on their favourite cakes, or hold a raffle or auction to raise additional funds. A quiz or small games can help break the ice and create a more dynamic atmosphere.

The Impact of Your Event

A cake and ale or coffee party might seem like a small event, but it can have a big impact. Even if you’re only able to raise a modest amount, it all contributes to the larger efforts of the charity. Additionally, these events build awareness and community spirit, which can inspire people to take further action for the cause.

Moreover, they can become a recurring event in your community, growing year on year. Whether it's an annual charity bake sale at work or a quarterly neighbourhood coffee gathering for charity, these events can establish a tradition of giving back.

Conclusion

Cake and ale (or coffee) parties are a brilliant way to raise funds for charity while creating a warm, inclusive atmosphere. It’s an opportunity to bring your community together over something as simple as a slice of cake, while making a tangible difference for a cause that matters. With a bit of planning and creativity, your event can become a meaningful, impactful, and enjoyable tradition.

So, roll up your sleeves, get baking, and raise a glass or mug to doing good!

Why You Should Seek Out a Joule’s Pub if You’re in the Midlands

When exploring the Midlands, one of the most quintessential experiences you can enjoy is a visit to a traditional British pub. But not just any pub—a Joule’s pub.

Steeped in history and charm, Joule’s Brewery and its collection of unique establishments offer an authentic taste of British brewing heritage. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, seeking out a Joule’s pub is a must if you’re looking to experience the true spirit of the Midlands.

A Rich Brewing Legacy

Joule’s Brewery has a long-standing tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Founded in 1780 by Francis Joule in Stone, Staffordshire, the brewery quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality ales. The iconic Joule’s Red Cross symbol became a trusted mark of quality across the region. Although the original brewery closed its doors in the 1970s, Joule’s was revived in 2010, bringing this historic brand back to life with a new brewery in nearby Market Drayton, Shropshire.

Today, Joule’s pubs are a celebration of that rich brewing legacy, offering a unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and community spirit.

Craftsmanship at Its Finest

At the heart of every Joule’s pub is a commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The brewery focuses on producing traditional, unpretentious ales using the finest ingredients and time-honoured brewing methods. Their signature ales, such as Joule’s Pale Ale, Slumbering Monk, and Pure Blonde, are brewed with care and precision, delivering flavours that reflect the true essence of British brewing.

When you step into a Joule’s pub, you can expect not only a perfectly poured pint but also an environment that celebrates the art of brewing. Each pub is designed with attention to detail, combining rustic features, handcrafted furnishings, and cosy interiors to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From exposed wooden beams to traditional fireplaces, Joule’s pubs evoke a sense of nostalgia while offering modern comforts.

The Charm of Joule’s Pubs

What sets Joule’s pubs apart is their distinct charm. Unlike many chain pubs that can feel impersonal and generic, every Joule’s pub has its own character. The brewery takes great pride in restoring historic buildings and preserving their unique features, whether it’s a centuries-old coaching inn or a former market hall.

These pubs are often the heart of the communities they serve, offering a gathering place where locals can come together to enjoy great beer, hearty food, and friendly conversation. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet pint after a long walk in the countryside or meeting friends for an evening out, a Joule’s pub offers the perfect backdrop.

A True Midlands Experience

The Midlands is a region known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture. A visit to a Joule’s pub is a way to immerse yourself in that local tradition. Many of the pubs are nestled in picturesque villages or historic market towns, making them an ideal stop during a day of exploring the region.

The staff at Joule’s pubs are known for their warm hospitality and love of their local area, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations on things to see and do nearby. From walks through the Shropshire hills to discovering hidden gems in Staffordshire, visiting a Joule’s pub is an experience that connects you to the heart of the Midlands.

A Focus on Sustainability

Joule’s Brewery is also committed to sustainability, taking steps to reduce its environmental impact. Their brewery in Market Drayton is designed to be energy-efficient, and they’ve implemented various initiatives to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices. By supporting a Joule’s pub, you’re not only enjoying quality beer, but also contributing to a more sustainable approach to brewing.

Great Food and Local Produce

Many Joule’s pubs offer a menu that’s just as appealing as the beer. From classic pub favourites like fish and chips and homemade pies to seasonal specials, the food at Joule’s pubs is hearty and locally sourced where possible. Whether you’re after a light bite or a full meal, the emphasis is always on fresh ingredients and quality cooking.

Pair your meal with one of their handcrafted ales, and you’ve got a perfect combination for a satisfying pub experience.

A Growing Network of Pubs

With pubs in counties such as Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire, you’re never too far away from a Joule’s pub when you’re in the region.

Conclusion

If you’re in the Midlands and want to experience a true British pub with a strong sense of history, community, and craftsmanship, seeking out a Joule’s pub should be at the top of your list. Whether it’s the perfectly brewed ale, the welcoming atmosphere, or the beautiful surroundings, a Joule’s pub offers an authentic taste of the Midlands’ heritage.

So, next time you’re in the area, stop by a Joule’s pub, raise a glass, and savour the rich history and craftsmanship that have made this brewery a cherished part of British pub culture.

Incidentally their pubs are already taking bookings for Christmas parties.

To learn more and to locate a Joules pub visit https://www.joulesbrewery.co.uk