~Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA), Verna held their traditional cake-mixing ceremony, bringing together students, faculty and the Kamaxi family.
~The tradition marks the beginning of the Christmas preparation, bringing together friends, family and loved ones.
Students and faculty at the Verna-based Kamaxi College of Culinary Arts (KCCA) recently kicked off celebrations for the upcoming festive season with its annual Christmas cake-mixing ceremony on campus.
A campus tradition upheld for years, students and faculty gathered around the table to mix an aromatic blend of premium dried fruits, nuts and fine spirits — ingredients essential for creating rich, flavorful Christmas cakes. As the mixing took place, accompanying Christmas tunes lent the atmosphere a cheerful holiday spirit.
“This ceremony connects us to the tradition which is rich in history and the overwhelming feeling of the festive spirit,” said Chef Playton Dias, faculty chef, Bakery and Pastry, at KCCA.
The tradition of cake mixing marks the beginning of the Christmas preparation bringing together friends, family and loved ones. Cake mixing was originally a method for the preservation of fruitcakes and other sweets during the winter months.
“The origin of cake mixing dates back to the 17th century in Europe where families got together and mixed Christmas cakes and puddings well in advance to give it time to mature and develop flavours,” added Dias.
The process of cake mixing involves combining dried fruits, nuts and spices with flour, sugar and eggs. This mixture is then baked into a cake or pudding.
Parixit Pai Fondekar, founder of KCCA, shared his excitement about the event, and noted the importance of togetherness during this time of year.
“Christmas is the time for joy, and every year at KCCA we organise the cake-mixing ceremony. Goan families who are abroad, come down to celebrate Christmas together and bond with each other,” concluded Fondekar.
