Mcgirk's Irish Pub

I found your website by niccdeat but am so glad I did!! I think it is wonerful esp. since I am a 2 generation Irish on my Mom's side and Original Texas Irish On Dad's. I married an a good Irish guy. My sister, not wanting to be out done married an Irish gentleman from Cork. We do eat a lot of foods past downfrom recipes from Ireland and so I would like to send you this recipe for Irish Christmas cake. It is a family tradition past down to oldest daughter to make each Christmas, which would be I. It is moist and full of great Irish flavor.May the Road Rise Up to Meet Ya'Barbara GFort WorthWhen You Reach the end of Your Rope..You Will Find the Hem of His Garment.A Kings DaughterPlease note this is based on American measurements and cooking tempatures.Irish Christmas Cake made with Guinness Beer1/2 cup butter or margarine softened1 cup brown sugar ( I use the dark brown)1/2 cup white sugar2 large eggs1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/4 cup corn starch1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon each cinnamon and all spice1/2 teaspoon ground cloves1/4 teaspoon salt1 cup Guinness Beer ( you can use any beer you have on hand)1/2 cup chopped roasted Pecans or WalnutsPre-Heat oven to 375 degrees Grease and flour a 9 5 loaf pan set aside. Sift together flour, corm starch, baking powder, baking soda,salt and spices set aside.I large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and beer, ending with beer. Mix until WELL combined. Fold in pecans. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until tooth pick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes in pan then turn out onto cake cooling rack and cool completely.Frost with cream cheese frosting.Serves 8-10Cream Cheese Frosting1 block Cream Cheese softened1 tub or container Cream Cheese frosting1 teaspoon vanilla Place all ingredients in large mixing bowl and mix unit well Incorporated. Cover and place in fridge for at least 1 hour before frosting the cake.Cooks Note You can bake the loaf in a bundt pan if you like. Simply grease and flour bundt pan and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) (same as loaf) for 50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.Make cream cheese frosting and Drizzle over top.You can also make this into a chocolate cake. Omit the spices and sift 1/2 cup powdered chocolate and add 1 teaspoon vanilla to batter.