Mixing fruits for X’mas cake the traditional way

Manipal: Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration, MAHE and Fortune Inn Valley View held the annual ritual of mixing dry fruits in alcohol for Christmas cakes and pudding at the institute’s hostel mess here on Monday.

The event is conducted annually to usher in the Christmas spirit. The venue was decorated beautifully to create a festive mood Chief Guest for the occasion was Mrs Vasanti R Pai, MAHE Trustee. Also present were, Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. H. Vinod Bhatt, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. P. L. N. G. Rao and Dr. Poornima Baliga, Pro Vice-Chancellors, Dr Narayan Sabhahit, Registrar and others.

Traditionally, the fruit mixing ceremony marks the arrival of the Harvest Festival and thus all the freshly harvested fruits and nuts go in the making of the conventionally loved Christmas cake.

As it was done religiously centuries ago, the fruits and nuts are soaked in rum and brandy which enhances the flavor of the cakes. The dry fruits and nuts are arranged on a huge table and coins hidden away among the fruits. It is considered lucky for those who get the coins while mixing the fruits with alcohol. These coins represent good luck and charm for the rest of the year for those who find it.

The chief guest and MAHE dignitaries, the Principal of the College, Chef K Thiru, faculty and students poured the alcohol to mix the fruits. Dr. H. S. Ballal addressed the gathering. The mixture will be put away for two weeks before it is used for baking cakes and puddings..