Dedicated to the much ridiculed cakes of questionable age, usually dry and overly sweet. I'm embarrassed to admit that years ago I'd bake a big batch around Thanksgiving, old Betty Crocker recipe, of course. Then I'd dose them with cheap brandy, wrap in foil and store them out in the shed in a can to "age."
Oh, the lucky recipients of that holiday treat that never spoils. My brother kept some in the bottom of his backpack as emergency rations on wilderness treks, this before energy bars were invented.
Anyway, fruitcake, or Christmas cake as they call it in the UK, is more popular there. A thin slice of quality fruitcake, like the one in that photo above, is pretty good with a cup of tea. But no ones gives out fruitcake anymore.
Speaking of solid English fare, how about this tasty Cottage Pie we had last night, topped with leftover mashed potatoes from our Christmas dinner. The traditional way to use up a Sunday roast on Monday. But I used some fresh ground lamb, which was a real treat mixed with onions, peas, carrots and gravy.
Not much else is new. I went out for some Christmas clearance bargain hunting-- cards, gift wrap, that sort of thing. This used to be fun early on Boxing Day, but the shelves at Target and Rite-Aid were bare. They were already making the transition to Valentine's Day, a mere 6 weeks away. I guess the space is too valuable to clutter up with 50% off sales.
I hope you had a nice holiday. Ours was quiet and it rained all day, so we never left the house. We're still looking forward to seeing the kids later this week for a second celebration.
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