Who cooked up Kerala’s plum cake

“The artisanal Mattanchére Spice Plum Cake as it tastes today is a result of 4 decades of evolution of a recipe and process mastered over time. The precision in which we blend & mature the fruit is at the heart of the process. Mattanchére Spice matured plum cake is completely free of any preservatives and additives including any rising agents and not to forget this is a Transfat free cake. From being a regular fruit cake to what we now proudly call as ‘Double Matured Spice Plum Cake’ is a journey that started from the CGH Earth Hotel’s kitchen and is now part of the Pandhal cake shop is one of the most favorite nostalgic Christmas delicacy”. Shares Chef Jose Varkey, Corporate Mentor Chef, CGH Earth Hotels.

The cake's journey commences with the careful selection of fruits from specific vendors across India, ensuring an impeccable taste and texture. Each fruit undergoes meticulous hand-cleaning to preserve its inherent qualities. The mixture is slowly cooked in a bronze-warp vessel to maintain consistency, and this gradual cooking process prevents caramelization, safeguarding the essence of Mother Nature's bounty. Subsequently, the fruit mixture embarks on a maturing process in an air-tight drum, allowing the slow maturation to facilitate nectar formation. An impressive 57% of the cake comprises this matured fruit and nectar. The remaining 43% consists of trans fat-free butter, sugar, flour, and eggs, contributing to the creation of the perfect crumb. As the nectar matures within the crumb, the cake undergoes an additional round of maturation. Packed into tins, the cakes are stored in a dehumidified atmosphere, allowing the flavors to reach their peak. From the initial fruit mixing to the final baking in three-deck ovens, the entire process unfolds over 10-12 months, resulting in the creation of the Mattanchère Spice Cake from Pandhal.

In Kochi, the Pandhal Cafe’s 40-year legacy, Mattanchere Spice Plum Cake, is a sought-after Christmas delight and is available for delivery nationwide via Amazon.

Priced at Rs 1595.