I wish we had smell-a-vision I've just taken my Christmas 🎄 cake out of the oven and the house smells gorgeous. It's been so hot here today I decided to cook it this evening - luckily it was only cooked for 3 and a quarter hours. It's now 10.45 and I'm watching Pretty Woman - what a great movie it is! Seen it so many times but ❤️️ It so much. Here's a piccie of my cake. Love ❤️ Chris

by pennifold 19 Nov 2016

Thanks Linda, yes, I agree, love Chris

by pennifold 19 Nov 2016

Wow, that will be a lot of fruit, eggs and flour! Not to mention the Brandy - love Chris

by designgirl 20 Nov 2016

Yes, It takes us four days to do them. One each day. About 40 pounds of candied fruit and plus raisins, 32 eggs, etc.But in the end it is worth it. Love and Hugs Lynn

by pennifold 19 Nov 2016

You took the words right out of my mouth! Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

You are most welcome, I hope you like it. I've added different dried fruits over the years, dried fruit of any kind would be great. Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Thanks Maisie, I can't wait either. It's so hard when it's staring me in the face! Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Hi Sarah, yes it is. I saw the Physio last night and he just basically told me to try Hydrotherapy and if I wanted to go back and see the specialist he recommended another one to me as I didn't like the first chap I saw. He has made an appointment for me to see a lass next Wednesday to start exercises to strengthen the back and surrounding muscles etc. I am not doing anything other than standing to cook, which I do anyway. No sewing, but I've read all the suggestions previously about using the machine at a higher place etc. so I can stand. I am resting it and even had a sleep yesterday. Something has to work, right? As it's beach weather I can pop down the road only 5 minutes away to our local Redhead beach and do the exercises there instead of going to a heated pool, which I don't really like!!!! Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Hi Sandy, you only need a little piece as it is so rich, but the problem is, once you've eaten a piece you want to go back for more!!! Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Thaaaaaannnnnnkkkkk yyyyyyooooouuuu Carolyn. Love Chris

I've included the recipe when I edited this post.

by airyfairy 18 Nov 2016

I have lived in the Southern Hemisphere for nearly 50 years and I still cannot get used to the 'hot' Christmas

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Hi Sue, it's just gorgeous even in the heat! I wish I could have a cold Christmas, I REALLY DON'T LIKE THE HOT SUMMERS WE HAVE DOWNUNDER!!!
Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Hi Angie, mine was whilst making it. I must admit I had a few dessertspoons of the mixture. I know people say don't eat raw mixture as it's got eggs in it, but once all the flour and brandy and fruit are all mixed up it's just too YUMMY! not to! Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Hi Kim, my thoughts exactly. Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Yes, it does, doesn't it? Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Thanks Jerrilyn, it does taste good, but it'll have to wait till Christmas Day. I'm doing everything I can to get better, thanks for thinking of me. Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Hi Suzanne, yes it does! Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Hi Karen, basically it is just a rich fruit cake. Trevor and I don't like fruit peel and glaced cherries, so I only use Sultanas, Currants, Raisins and this year put in Dried Apricots. I've made them before and used Pineapple, Mango and Craisins! Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Of course, our minds are great he he he! Glad to see you doing some sewing. LOVE THAT MOVIE!!!!

Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Yes, Caroline it does. It's just basically a very rich fruit cake. I added a small bag of Australian dried Apricots to mine and a bit more brandy than they said and also I added Nutmeg. Over the next few weeks I'll add a little more brandy (keeps it moist!!!!!!). Love Chris

by pennifold 18 Nov 2016

Thanks Pam, it didn't finish till about 11.00pm so the house just smelt gorgeous! I love fruit cake. Love Chris