Dear Downhome, A picture of one of what have become to be known in our house as "Dad's Christmas Cakes." Over the years, these cakes have taken many forms. One year, Dad's cake was a light fruit cake, another time it was a cherry cake, and once it was a chocolate Christmas log. Early in our marriage, we found that when it came to Christmas, there was only one thing that we just could not agree on... the cake! In my family, the Christmas cake was always a dark fruit cake, made late in the fall and left hidden in the basement wrapped in rum-soaked cheesecloth until Christmas arrived. In my husband's family, the Christmas cake had one big difference... it was frosted with almond paste (or marzipan) and royal icing. This, to me, was a sacrilege, and the perfect way to ruin a good cake, so we came to an agreement. I bake my dark fruit cake every year, and the first slice is left out on Santa's place on Christmas Eve. My husband's cake is his own creation, and some years it has been closer to New Year's before it gets completed. He carefully rolls out the almond paste and makes up his icing, then sets to work decorating. The first few years it was often challenging to find the right-sized adornments, but as the years come and go, and the odd ornament takes a fall, he has gathered quite a collection. "Dad's Cake" has become a very important part of our family's Christmas, and we look forward to a new creation each year. Thanks to you, Harry, for our very own Christmas tradition! With love from your family, Pam, Sarah & Simon Tibbo   Submitted By: NULL