This is the most fantastic and easy Christmas Cake recipe ever, tried and tested over many years. Given to me by a very dear Australian friend, way back in the 70’s. I’m afraid it’s all in imperial measurements, and I really didn’t want to risk converting to metric in case it didn’t work! ~ Chris

Helen’s Christmas Cake Recipe

Before you start, soak the fruit overnight in brandy (about half a cup)

Ingredients:

2lb mixed dried fruit (it’s best to mix your own from raisins, sultanas and currants)
2oz ground almonds
3oz glace cherries
4oz mixed peel
1/2 lb self raising flour
1/2 lb butter
1/2 lb dark brown sugar (Muscovado if possible)
1 tablespoon of black treacle
Grated rind of one lemon
Grated rind of one orange
1 teaspoon of mixed spice
A few drops of vanilla essence
4 eggs

Method:

– Cream the butter and sugar, add the eggs, then add and combine all the other ingredients.

– Line a cake tin very well with 3 or even 4 layers of newspaper on the outside and then greaseproof paper on the inside.

– Cook for 3-4 hours. 350 degrees for one hour, then turn down to 300 degrees