My mom shared this recipe with me, which was passed down from my grandfather who learned it from my great-grandmother. There is something so special about recipes that are passed down and this is no exception. It is a recipe from Madeira, Portugal, where my grandfather is from, and eaten year-round, but most commonly enjoyed during the Christmas season. It has a strong taste but goes great with coffee and shared with family and friends!
Ingredients
- 500g flour
- 500g sugar
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 3 eggs
- 1 stick butter
- 1 stick Crisco
- 1/2 cup Madeira wine (Porto wine)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cups white and brown raisins
- 3/4 cups nuts
- zest of one orange
Directions
Mix butter and sugar until combined, Add eggs and wine. Mix cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, and baking powder with the flour. Add raisins, nuts and orange zest. Mix flour mixture with first mixture. Add raisins and nuts on top for decoration. Bake in the oven at 350F for 1 hour. Toothpick will come out dry when ready.
Baking With Friends 