The holiday season rang in under the watchful eyes of Executive Chef Prem Kumar Pogakula and Pastry Chef Sandeep Kanojia along with his team and few spirited guests, all excited to be part of the festive fun.

THE IMPERIAL New Delhi had organized a fruit soaking ceremony this November, all amidst great cheer and festive fervour. The holiday season rang in under the watchful eyes of Executive Chef Prem Kumar Pogakula and Pastry Chef Sandeep Kanojia along with his team and few spirited guests, all excited to be part of the festive fun. Massive varieties of candied fruits, fruit peels, assorted nuts, juices, and the all-important spirits like cognac, rum and Grand Marnier were used to soak the fruit in and blended joyfully for an exotic dough preparation, to mature beautifully in time for Christmas and to be churned out as Christmas plum cakes, puddings and Stollen by The Imperial pastry team.

“The traditional cake mixing ceremony spreads joie de vivre and camaraderie for Christmas. The occasion is incomplete without the traditional Christmas cake and we at The Imperial have always organized this tradition with a lot of enthusiasm and merry-making. It is an ecstatic moment to watch the guests and chefs participate in the mixing, celebrating the onset of the festive season” expressed Vijay Wanchoo- Sr. Executive VP and GM The Imperial New Delhi.

Chef Prem Kumar Pogakula-Executive Chef, The Imperial New Delhi said “The cake mixing is a Christmas tradition dating back to many years and is also a precursor to the occasion. It is a pre-requisite for settling the liquor in the mix of nuts, fruits and spices, covered with cinnamon. Christmas fun starts with this ceremony which is considered to be a harbinger of good fortune and joyous times.” 

He further said “This recipe is unique to The Imperial for many decades. The mix of exotic ingredients gets soaked in liquor for at least a month. The more the ingredients get soaked in a good quantity of spirits, the better the taste. Unlike other cakes, this traditional one is the most sought-after as it is prepared in a distinct way."