CAKE MIXING CEREMONY
A more than grandiose 2021 Christmas: The Cake Mixing ceremony
?A new air is blowing on the Hotel 2 Fevrier, with the presence of a new General Manager Mr. Anil GHEI. A visionary and dynamic professional who is setting the Hotel 2 Fevrier on a new course and aims to implement new experiences for guests to enjoy. Inspired and diligent, he is creating a mix of traditional and modern winds for further relevant success and efficiency.
In this new momentum, with Chef Chandra, the new far eastern chef for our 5 star Songha? restaurant and our Indian-inspired dining area, the Hotel 2 Fevrier has initiated for the first time and exclusively for in-house guests at the Lobby: the Cake Mixing ceremony. A true moment of warmth and conviviality.
Cake Mixing is a festive tradition that has been observed since the 17th century in Great Britain. The traditional ritual of mixing ingredients is known as the "Mix It Up" ceremony. It involves a mixture of several varieties of dried fruit, spices and high quality liqueurs. These soaked fruits and nuts are then stored in airtight glass containers or jars for future Christmas cake bakings. In the past, this was a special time for the family to celebrate. For them, this moment represents a symbol of unity, hard work and camaraderie. Indeed, Cake Mixing is a true sweetness that served above all to prepare the palate and the stomach for the great feasts of Christmas.
Chef Chandra and his team in a friendly and sharing spirit set up this ceremony at the hotel on Wednesday 24th November. Read the interview with the Chef in the following lines.
·???????Why is it important for you to share the Cake Mixing ceremony with your team and your guests?
This is a wonderful phase of my life. I have been part of the Hotel 2 Fevrier team for a few months. My creative impulses find meaning in developing new menus, running unique offers and catering to palates around the world.?The traditional cake-mixing ceremony spreads cheer and camaraderie for Christmas. This time it is even more special after the pandemic, as it is like a pre-Christmas social gathering with our guests.
·???????Would you say that this tradition further seals and marks your still fairly recent arrival?
Yes, of course it does. I consider myself very lucky that the cake mixing ceremony was first started by me at the hotel. I have seen how hospitality is told in the country of Togo since childhood. Cake mixing is typically a community event... We wanted to bring this experience to the Togolese communities.
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·???????How many types of dried fruit are used?
A range of different types of candied fruits, fruit peels, assorted nuts, juices and spirits such as cognac, rum and red wine in which the fruits are soaked and happily mixed for an exotic pastry preparation, to be ready beautifully in time for Christmas.
·???????Which spices for the perfect blend?
This recipe has been unique for me for decades. Unlike other cakes, this one is the most sought after because it is distinctly prepared with mounds of brown dates, black grapes, red cherries and cashews, topped with powdered cloves, cardamom, ginger peel, lemon peel, orange peel, dried figs, prunes, pistachios and other exotic spices, mixed with 30 litres of liqueur such as cognac, rum and red wine.
·???????Is the choice of wine used important?
Yes, quality is important. Spirits such as cognac, rum, whisky and red wine are to be favoured.
·???????Can you share a secret tip or ingredient?
I used about 80kg of nuts and flavored dried fruits such as apricots, sultanas, candied cherries, blackcurrants, orange peel, ginger and lemon and combined them with freshly ground aromatic spices.
·???????A new range of pastries will be released throughout December. What will guests find on the menu?
For our guests we are preparing:
1.??????Gift baskets for family and corporate guests (including wine and sparkling wine)
2.?????Christmas cakes of various sizes
3.?????Chocolates of different shapes and flavors
4.?????Perfectly crunchy and tasty biscuits
5.?????Absolutely stunning Gingerbread Houses
For the end of 2021, we are preparing some particularly innovative, tasty experiences full of taste with a wow effect!
Amongst a long list, we can name the Ginger Bread House, which will premiere at the hotel. More details to come in the next few days. On that note, thank you and see you soon...
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