A Malaysian uses his grandmother's 60-year-old Christmas fruit cake recipe

Sugee fruit cake a traditional Christmas cake that is full of fruits, nuts, semolina and laced with brandy. It is a must-have in many Christian homes during Christmas. Photos: THE STAR/Samuel Ong

In his cosy kitchen, baker Darren Anthony Beins is busy portioning out sugee fruit cakes and sugee cakes to pack as Christmas gifts.

“Growing up in the 1970s, my late mother made it a point to distribute Christmas cakes and cookies to our neighbours.

"Every year on Christmas morning, my three sisters and I were tasked with delivering the sweet treats as well as inviting neighbours over to our home to join in the celebrations, ” reminisces Beins.