If you are looking to make the holidays a bit more interesting this year try a new tradition, or at least one from another culture. An Irish Barmbrack is marked by the insertion of objects to the pan after filling that symbolize fortunes for the coming year. A coin denotes good fortune, a ring indicates marriage, and a pea symbolizes no marriage in the year. It is a fun and delicious way to celebrate another culture or introduce new traditions into your home. The Barmbrack is essentially a bundt cake filled with fruit, but not a fruit cake.

Kaiser Classic Bundform Pan

The key to a great bundt cake is in the bakeware used, and Kaiser delivers a fantastic 9.5 inch bundform pan perfect for any cake. The pan is designed in a 14^th century Gugel style. This is sometimes referred to as kugelhopf or kugelhopf pans depending on the country of origin. The design is marked by a beautiful swirl-like pattern with small raised portions delivering a spectacular presentation. This design of bundform is making a comeback in recent times due to manufacturers, like Kaiser bring the style to the public in modern materials and craftsmanship.

Ingredients

· 2 1/2 cups chopped dried mixed fruit

· 1 1/2 cups hot brewed tea

· 2 1/2 cups flour

· 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

· 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

· 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

· 1 egg

· 1 1/2 cups sugar

· 1/4 cup lemon marmalade

· 1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Kaiser Domus Budform Pan

The recipe calls for the use of dried fruit soaked in tea for about two hours, any dried fruit will do. Then drain and strain the excess tea from the fruit. Combine the cinnamon, flour and nutmeg in a mixing bowl and set aside to be used later. Beat the egg, sugar, marmalade, orange zest, and tea-soaked fruit until well mixed. Be sure to pre-heat the oven to 350°. Next gently fold in the dry ingredients from the step prior until just combined but not fully mixed. Pour into the Kaiser 12 cup Classic Bundform pan and place in the oven for 1 hour, of course any style of bundform will do.

The Kaiser Bundform is constructed from cast aluminum which provides even heat and browning to perfection. Aluminum provides great heat conductivity and allows the pan to be lighter and easier to handle while hot. The 12 cup capacity makes it simple to use with most recipes. Each of these Kaiser Bundform pans comes with a specific recipe for the pan created by King Arthur Flour exclusively for Kaiser Bakeware. Be sure to let the Barmbrack cool for at least two hours before removing from the pan for an easier removal and better end presentation.

A slice of Irish Barmbrack

Being coated with a 2 layer non-stick coating provides a simple and easy clean up. After the cake has been removed from the Kaiser classic Bundform pan, simple warm soapy water will clean the pan to perfection; simple and quick. Avoid using metal utensils and harsh scouring pads as these can damage the non-stick coating and lessen its lifespan. The pan adds great flair to any cake and will brighten any holiday evening. Perfect for a new or seasoned pastry chef or baker.