'Tis Christmas Cake

Method

• step 1

  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.

• step 2

  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.

• step 3

  Mix together flour & spice.

• step 4

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

• step 5

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

• step 6

  Add flour & egg bit by bit mixing well

• step 7

  Add mixed fruit & cherries

• step 8

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

• step 9

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

• step 10

  Allow to cool in the tin on a wire rack