Homemade Garam Masala and Dark Fruit cake

Ingredients:



3tbs cumin seeds

3tbs coriander seeds

2 tbs cardamom

2 tbs black peppercorns

4 cinnamon stick(break into peaces)

1tsp whole cloves

3-4 bay leaves

2 star anise spice(optional)

1 tsp grated nutmeg(optional)



Method:





Heat a heavy based dry skillet over medium-high heat,add the cumin,coriander,cardamom,peppercorns,cinnamon,star anise(optional),nutmeg(optional) and cloves into it.

Stirring occasionally,until they turn into darker shades.Once it done,remove it from the stove and let it cool for sometimes.

After few mins,transfer it into the mixie and grind to fine powder.

Store it in an airtight container.

Execellent Garam masala is ready.





Dark Fruit Cake:





Ingredients:



220 g cake flour

1?4 tsp salt

1?2 tsp gram masala powder

200 g butter

1?4 tsp vanilla essence

4 medium eggs, lightly beaten

500 g mixed dried fruit

100 g dry nuts,chopped

 250 ml orange juice

 200 g brown sugar



Method:



Soak mixed dried fruits and nuts in orange juice overnight.

Next day before baking preheat the oven for about 5 mins at 180 degress celcius.

Sieve cake flour, salt, garam masala into a bowl.



                                     

Bake in the oven 45 mins at 180 degree celcius and then test with a skewer. If it's not ready bake for up to another hour10 minutes until the skewer comes out clean.





Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes. Turn out on to a wire rack and leave to cool.