Media Release

Udupi, Nov 19: Manipal ushers in the Christmas season with what is called the cake mixing ceremony, which is soaking dry fruits in alcohol weeks before it takes the shape of cakes and pudding for Christmas.

Fortune Inn, Valley View celebrated the tradition on Monday November 16 at the Chaitya Hall and Dr Ramdas M Pai, Chancellor Manipal University and Vasanthi Pai dug their hands in to do the first bit of mixing of the colourful dry fruits beautifully laid out on a table.

There was also, Dr H S Ballal, the pro chancellor, Dr Vinod Bhat, vice chancellor, Manipal University other officials and hotel guests. Prior to the start of the ceremony, Uday Sharma general manager of the hotel shared the story about the tradition of Christmas cake mixing which welcomes the festive season.
“Traditionally, plum cakes were prepared by soaking cashew nuts, walnuts, figs, dry apricots, orange peels, almonds, cranberries, prunes, raisins and spices in brandy and whisky weeks in advance. The mix helps the cake to develop better aroma and taste. As part of the tradition, the mix is kept in an upside-down airtight container and a small amount of brandy, rum or whisky is poured in every week until Christmas. This process is called 'feeding' the cake.