How to bake Kerala fruit cake in the UAE?

Image credit-Sharmis Passions

In the realm of culinary endeavors, the narrator unfolds a delightful narrative of his baking escapades, chronicling a journey from cakes to pizzas, with a candid admission of steering clear of bread-making until the introduction of Dilkush—a bread stuffed with dry fruits and tutti frutti, a delicacy popular in his home state of Kerala, India.

However, the focus remains on cakes, particularly as the festive season of Christmas beckons. The narrator, a baking enthusiast, decides to rekindle his baking prowess, inspired by the impending joyous occasion. The ode to Christmas baking segues into an intriguing historical interlude, exploring the evolution of Christmas pudding into the beloved Christmas cake.

The culinary journey intertwines with historical tidbits, suggesting that during Roman times, a bread version of the Christmas cake existed, evolving into the traditional Christmas pudding in medieval England. The infusion of sugar and spices, introduced following colonization, transformed the pudding into the delectable cake we know today.

As the narrative meanders through time and space, the spotlight shifts to the fascinating journey of cakes in India, purportedly initiated by a British officer in 1883. The first plum cake allegedly took shape when a local baker attempted to replicate the British officer's gift. The details surrounding this historical moment are somewhat elusive, yet the legacy of English plum cakes persists in Indian bakeries, especially in Kerala, where the narrator's fond memories of indulging in plum cakes evoke a sense of nostalgia.

The culinary tale takes a transcontinental leap to the UAE, where the narrator, surrounded by a plethora of cake options, expresses a penchant for fruit cakes. The distinction between plum cakes and fruit cakes is clarified, with the narrator emphasizing the inclusion of two cups of dry fruits in his batter.

A curious revelation emerges – the nomenclature conundrum surrounding fruit cakes being labeled as plum cakes despite the absence of plums or prunes in the recipe. An exploration into cake literature unveils the historical context where raisins or currants were colloquially referred to as "plums" in England, contributing to the nomenclature quirk.

The narrative pivots to the meticulous crafting of the narrator's Christmas cake, identified as the caramelized Kerala fruit cake. The unique recipe involves soaking an assortment of dry fruits in fruit juice for at least a week, infusing the cake with rich flavors. The intricacies of caramelizing sugar are unveiled, with the narrator sharing insights gained from both successful and less fortunate attempts.

The narrative concludes with a lighthearted reflection on the societal perception of men's baking abilities. The narrator challenges stereotypes by showcasing not only his baking prowess but also his culinary finesse in preparing a sadya and mutton biriyani. A humorous account of sharing his baked creations with family and colleagues adds a touch of personal reflection to the culinary saga.

In essence, this epicurean journey is a celebration of tradition, nostalgia, and the joyous art of baking, intertwined with historical anecdotes and a dash of humor. As the narrator's baking repertoire expands, so does the spirit of sharing, culminating in a triumphant declaration that revenge is a cake not shared—a sweet testament to the narrator's culinary achievements.

Jan. 10, 2024 5:30 a.m. 1848

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