LET’S be honest, the fruitcake is probably one of the most overrated confections out there. Even so, you can’t deny its staying power among Malaysians – as it is served during weddings, birthdays and almost all festive occasions.
Since it’s Christmas, we will be highlighting the dessert with a history dating back to ancient Roman times. Its traditional recipe of mixed pine nuts, barley mash, pomegranate seeds, raisins and honeyed wine attests to it.
It was only during the Middle Ages, that honey, spices, and preserved fruits were added to the list of ingredients. People of that era were said to have carried the dessert as sustenance when away from home.
During the 1800s, it was a must to serve fruitcakes at Victorian tea parties, as it reflected the quintessential refinement of that period. The custom in England then was for unmarried wedding guests to put a slice of the cake, traditionally a dark fruitcake, under their pillow at night. This is so they will dream of the person they were to marry.
Today, modern fruitcakes are more available with variations springing up that can please even the pickiest eater. Those who don’t agree, have yet to be graced with a good fix—it’s a bit of trial and error before you find a fruitcake recipe that pleases your palate.
Fruitcake roulette
With all the international and regional variations to try out there, here are just some up and coming local bakers to check out for the holidays:
1. A Cake Empire (@acakeempire)
2. The Butter Bakes (@thebutterbakes)
Our rich Christmas Fruit Cakes are open for orders once again! ❤️ Our traditional fruit cakes are made with dried fruit...
Posted by The Butter Bakes on Sunday, November 29, 2020
3. Sweets by Debbie Shop (@sweetsbydebbieshop)
4. Butter Bean Oven (@butterbeanoven)
5, The Cake Co. (@the.cakeco)
6. Baitun Classic Fruit Cake (@baitun_classicfruitcake)
7. Memory Layers (@memorylayers.my)
The Vibes would like to wish a happy holiday and a Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating! – The Vibes, December 25, 2020
