Baking with Kerene Stephens-Spencer
Kerene Stephens-Spencer, co-principal, Baywest Wellness Clinic and RK Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, tells Thursday Food that making Christmas cakes has been a tradition in her family for generations. Indeed, her grandmother Violet Taylor is a caterer and is known for her cakes. “My sister and I have been involved in the process from we were tots. I continue for partly nostalgic reasons, plus, I enjoy doing projects with my children. At Christmastime we may include doing gingerbread houses as well. The kids love it. Sometimes they invite their friends and it’s one big party.
“The preparation of all the many components is the most challenging aspect of Christmas cake baking. It simply can’t be rushed. There are ingredients that take years in the making. Rum-soaked fruits and peels, however, are a must.”
