Indulge in the rich heritage and flavors of the Channel Islands with our Guernsey Jèrriais Spice Cake. This exquisite creation pays homage to the culinary traditions of Guernsey and Jersey, two picturesque islands nestled in the English Channel. Crafted with care and expertise, this cake captures the essence of the islands' unique cultural blend.

Each bite of our Guernsey Jèrriais Spice Cake is a journey through time, reminiscent of cozy kitchens filled with the aroma of spices and the warmth of shared stories. Our recipe blends traditional spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, harmonizing them with the sweetness of locally sourced honey and the richness of butter churned from the islands' creamy milk.

This cake is more than just a dessert; it's a celebration of the Channel Islands' rich history and cultural diversity. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea amongst friends or served as the centerpiece of a special occasion, our Guernsey Jèrriais Spice Cake promises a delightful experience that will transport you to the charming shores of these enchanting islands.

Here's a traditional recipe for Guernsey Jèrriais Cake, a delightful fruitcake that embodies the flavors of the Channel Islands:

Ingredients:

• 250g mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, sultanas, currants)
• 50g glace cherries, chopped
• 50g mixed peel
• 150ml Guernsey or Jersey cream
• 50ml dark rum or brandy
• 150g unsalted butter, softened
• 150g soft brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 250g self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon mixed spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Grease and line a 20cm (8-inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.

2- In a bowl, combine the mixed dried fruit, glace cherries, and mixed peel. Pour the rum or brandy over the fruit mixture and leave to soak while you prepare the rest of the cake.

3- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

4- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, adding a spoonful of flour with each egg to prevent curdling.

5- Stir in the Guernsey or Jersey cream until well combined.

6- In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, mixed spice, and ground cinnamon.

7- Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until you have a smooth batter.

8- Fold in the soaked dried fruit mixture along with any remaining liquid, along with the lemon and orange zest.

9- Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.

10- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

11- Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

12- Once cooled, you can decorate the cake with a dusting of icing sugar or a simple glaze if desired.

Enjoy your Guernsey Jèrriais Cake as a delightful treat with a cup of tea, or share it with friends and family to celebrate the flavors of the Channel Islands!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Guernsey Jèrriais Cake recipe:

Mixed dried fruit:

• Calories: 300 kcal (per 100g)
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Sugars: 60g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0.5g

benefits:

• Provides essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
• Contains dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.

Glace cherries:

• Calories: 300 kcal (per 100g)
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Sugars: 80g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, which help protect cells from damage.
• Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.

Mixed peel:

• Calories: 320 kcal (per 100g)
• Carbohydrates: 80g
• Sugars: 80g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
• Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may reduce inflammation.

Guernsey or Jersey cream:

• Calories: 345 kcal (per 100ml)
• Carbohydrates: 3.5g
• Sugars: 3.5g
• Protein: 2.5g
• Fat: 36g

benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function.
• Contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for various bodily functions.

Dark rum or brandy:

• Calories: 240 kcal (per 100ml for rum)
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
• May have calming effects on the nervous system when consumed in moderation.

Unsalted butter:

• Calories: 720 kcal (per 100g)
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 80g

benefits:

• Good source of vitamin A, which supports vision health and immune function.
• Provides healthy saturated fats, which are necessary for hormone production and cell membrane structure.

Soft brown sugar:

• Calories: 380 kcal (per 100g)
• Carbohydrates: 98g
• Sugars: 97g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g

benefits:

• Provides quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Adds sweetness and flavor to baked goods.

Eggs:

• Calories: 143 kcal (per large egg)
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Sugars: 0.5g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 10g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in choline, which is important for brain health and development.

Self-raising flour:

• Calories: 360 kcal (per 100g)
• Carbohydrates: 72g
• Sugars: 0g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 1g

benefits:

• Contains essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, which are important for energy production and metabolism.
• Provides carbohydrates, which are the body's primary source of energy.

Mixed spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, etc.): Nutritional values are negligible since only small amounts are used.

benefits:

• Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help improve overall health.
• Adds flavor and aroma to dishes without adding extra calories or sodium.

Lemon zest: Nutritional values are negligible since only small amounts are used.

benefits:

• Contains vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.
• Adds a bright, citrusy flavor to dishes.

Orange zest: Nutritional values are negligible since only small amounts are used.

benefits:

• Rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds a tangy, citrus flavor to dishes.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and variations in ingredients. It's important to note that this is a rich, indulgent cake, so it's best enjoyed in moderation.