Cranberry Christmas Cake Recipe
This Old Fashioned Spaghetti Recipe brings the authentic taste of Italian cuisine right into your kitchen. Perfect for a comforting family meal, it combines al dente spaghetti with a rich, homemade tomato sauce, infused with fresh herbs and spices. Easy to prepare, this dish is not only delicious but also a journey into the heart of traditional Italian cooking.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet or saucepan for the sauce
- Colander for draining pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Cheese grater for Parmesan cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup softened butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer. Continue beating for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture is light in color and fluffy. This process is crucial as it adds volume to the cake.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: To the egg mixture, add the softened butter and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until these ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fold in Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour into the mixture. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can affect the cake's texture.
- Incorporate Cranberries: Stir in the fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Place in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The cake is done when it's lightly golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan. Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a festive look. Slice and serve.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake can also be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
- For added depth, consider a splash of red wine in the sauce.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a gentle heat.
- Fresh herbs yield the best flavor, but dried herbs are a suitable substitute.
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for extended storage.