Yes, these are called compound spice recipes.. something like pumpkin pie spices or Indian spices as in Curry.. are perfect examples..
is golden syrup like dark Karo syrup?
There are three types of syrup that you can use: dark corn syrup which is dark brown and has a slight molasses flavor, while light corn syrup is almost clear and has a more delicate flavor. The two can be used interchangeably in many recipes. Karo is a well-known brand. Both are Substitutes for golden syrup (Substitute measure for measure) or honey (This is sweeter than corn syrup, but substitute it measure for measure.) or molasses (Substitute measure for measure.)
are you referring to canned or candied cherries
I am referring to candied cherries. It's the caramelized foods (candied) that stretches the longevity so treasured in Fruitcakes, and also make the authentic Fruitcake taste, well .. authentic.. :)
and is a bundt pan acceptable to bake this cake in?
It's perfect, actually better for slicing.. You're batting a thousand..
Personally, I would skip the dates, and add pineapple.
BINGO, one of the real advantages to preparing your own food is that you get to HAVE IT YOUR WAY.. If you do substitute be sure to use Candied Pineapple.
Ah, thank you for clearing that up! I've also heard that the cake should be basted periodically with more liquor, and aged.
Here's one you might want to help us out with. It's about rf's mention of chocolate merlot sauce. This is reformed liberal's reply to me:
Tee Hee: I bought it at a wine/delicacies shop!
Brent's Napa Valley. It says "alk 4.8% by volume" and there is a _faint_ (evocative) taste of mellow wine, so I wonder if the wine is added at the end, so as not to burn off the alcohol. Contents: Merlot (note this is first!), Chocolate (cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, cream, lecithin and vanilla) Sugar, Corn syrup, cream and salt. $8/9 oz and quite a heavy
jar.
Haven't tried it, but I bet any rich, solid-at-room-temp chocolate fudge sauce, heated w/a few ounces of a good merlot stirred in when it is off the heat, would be similar.
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Any ideas on how to make this from scratch??? It would be so good with vanilla ice cream and berries :-D~~~~