Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Nairobi Arboretum recently invited guests to a special lovely evening of fun, food, drinks, and most importantly, to take part in the annual tradition of cake mixing. This age old ceremony is considered to be an usher for good tidings and happiness, and is one of the most awaited traditional rituals of Christian households and hotels all around the world.
History of cake mixing dates back to the 17th century as the harvest season arrived. During this period, a lot of fruits and nuts were harvested and prepared to go and make traditional plum cake.
To set the ceremony off, we were each handed gloves, aprons and chefs hats ready for the fun part of the ceremony. The cake mixing ideally involves preparing and mixing dry fruits such as apricots, figs, cashew nuts, raisins and black currants with wine, rum, brandy and whiskey. The mixture is then laid on a table arranged in the Christmas colors. Once all the fruit is in, and well mixed, bottles of wine and whisky are emptied in one by one, as the gathering gets down to work, mixing all amidst great cheer and fervour as the aroma starts to linger in the air. This elaborate mixing process is what gives the cake its unique flavour, aroma and texture.
The Head Chef was on hand, together with General Manager and other Head of Departments, in taking the guests through the paces of the art of mixing. The soaked mix was then put into jars. It will stored for a few weeks so the fruits can soak up the alcohol, and ferment to give it that moist feel in readiness to be served during the Christmas period.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence, Nairobi Arboretum, opened its doors in 2019. The hotel is located in the heart of Nairobi, overlooking the Arboretum park and adjacent to the State House within the affluent Kilimani district of the city. The evening was also a celebration of the hotel’s anniversary.
A sprawling forest reserve and a popular destination for walks and picnics, the Arboretum offers a refreshing retreat away from the urban frenzy and is home to more than 300 exotic tree species and more than 100 types of bird. Just ten minutes from the city center, its markets and museums, and 45 minutes from the airport, the hotel is ideally situated for guests to explore the city and is the ideal base for day trips and safaris.
