PURKISS FAMILY CHRISTMAS CAKE 2010

Come for a two day stay (minimum), make a Christmas cake, learn how to apply marzipan and icing, luxuriate in a hot bath, lounge by the fire, have a bracing Dorset walk, a delicious pub supper and shop in the charming town of Sherborne (by train) for Christmas cake decorations and anything else that takes your fancy. I can adapt the two day break to fit in whatever you would like to do alongside your cake making, antique hunting, shopping, walking, sewing or baking Christmas decorations or just reading a book by the fire.

Day 1 : Arrive in the afternoon/evening for a piece of homemade cake by the fire with afternoon tea. Aperitifs served at 6pm followed by the preparation of the dried fruit for the Christmas cake, stir in the brandy and leave to marinade overnight. Supper is served in front of the fire. Choose a DVD, play cards or a board game or just relax in front of the fire.

Day 2: After breakfast Christmas cake preparations begin in earnest. Weigh out all the ingredients mix together with a Christmas wish and bake in a round or square 8" tin or bring your own. Cake sizes are totally adaptable to your own needs but it does last a very long time and is delicious well through February!

After your exertions enjoy a light lunch and take off to Sherborne on the train for a bit of light shopping and to choose Christmas cake decorations from the lovely baking shop. It is a charming town perfect for Christmas shopping. Come home for aperitifs and a superb pub supper at Wynyards Gap our local good pub - transport provided.

Day 3: Breakfast followed by a demonstration on marzipanning and icing a cake (I do not profess to be a master decorator but am proficient in icing a family Christmas cake - I can provide the expertise of a professional if this is required at extra cost).

You can then have a go on a mini-cake that I have made earlier. Have Sunday lunch at a local pub or start back home with your /christmas cake, instructions on feeding-- it with brandy and a mini-cake, marzipanned and iced.

 

COST: B and B for two nights per night based on 2 people sharing and Christmas cake baking course to include ingredients Aperitifs, dinner (including wine) and light lunch £150 per person

       Dinner at Wynyards Gap approximately £30 per person inc drinks

Includes free transfers to and from Crewkerne railway station and to Wynyards Gap Pub if required.