The North Wing Christmas Blog Bake Off

Just in time for Christmas, some of the ladies at The North Wing have gotten together and brought to you the Christmas Blogtrain Bakeoff!!! A blogtrain with a difference!!! Instead of

scrapping goodness.. we are sharing with you our favourite recipes.. although don't be fooled.. some wingers may have extras for you.....

First up a recipe from Skyblue

Next we have a yummy treat from Becca

Simnel Cake

Prep Time:30 Min
Cook Time: 2 Hrs 30 Min
Ready In:3 Hrs 20 Min

Original Recipe Yield 1 - 8 inch springform pan

Ingredients
1 cup margarine, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
4 eggs
1 3/4 cups self-rising flour
1 1/3 cups golden raisins
1 cup dried currants
2/3 cup candied cherries - rinsed, dried and quartered
1/4 cup candied mixed fruit peel, chopped
2 tablespoons grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons mixed spice

1 pound almond paste
2 tablespoons apricot jam
1 egg, beaten

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8 inch springform pan. Line the bottom and sides of pan with greased parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Beat in the flour. Stir in the golden raisins, currants, candied cherries, mixed fruit, lemon zest and mixed spice. Pour 1/2 of batter into prepared pan.
Divide almond paste into 3 equal portions. Roll out 1/3 of the almond paste to an 8 inch circle. Place the circle of almond paste on the cake batter in pan. Cover with remaining cake batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 2 1/2 hours, or until evenly brown and firm to the touch. If the cake is browning too quickly, cover with foil after an hour of baking. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. Set oven to broil.
When the cake has cooled, brush the top with warmed apricot jam. Roll out 1/3 of the almond paste into an 8 inch circle and place on top of cake. Divide the remaining 1/3 of almond paste into 11 pieces and roll into balls. These represent the 11 Apostles (excluding Judas.) Brush the almond paste on top of cake with beaten egg. Arrange the 11 balls around the outside edge on the top of cake. Brush the balls lightly with egg.

Place cake under the broiler for 8 to 10 minutes, or until almond paste is golden brown.

Now check out the rest of the train (Remember we are a global group with members from UK, Australia, USA and MARS! so if you don't find a tasty treat.. swing by later today to get it when they wake up!!!)

ALL ABOARD!!!!!

Becca & Skyblue @ HQ Station
Tyger @ Tyger's Tidbits
Sarah @ Hungry Hill
Xtenziv @ Xtenziv Images
Vicky @ True Taggin Love
Always @ Always Creations
Linda @ A K Homestead