'Tis Christmas Cake

If you're preparing this cake early, feel free to soak the fruit and cherries in brandy and / or cider. I 've found two weeks is sufficient.

Take a 24cm round tin, grease and line with greaseproof paper. Make a tin foil 'chimney' which extends double the height of the tin to prevent scorching and prevent cracking. Warm oven to Gas 2 / 150 C / 300 F.

Mix together flour & spice.

Beat eggs & milk. Add brandy. If you want to, a splash of strong still cider works well.

Soften butter (30s in the microwave works nicely) and cream together with sugar.

Add flour & egg bit by bit mixing well

Add mixed fruit & cherries

Put mix into tin. Tie tin foil round tin and place in oven for 3.5hrs

At 3.5hrs, remove foil and return to oven for 30 mins.

Allow to cool in the tin on a wire rack