Fruit Cake

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, chopped dates, etc.)
• 1/2 cup mixed candied peel
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp dark rum or brandy (optional)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup glacé cherries, chopped

Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Nuts

- In a large bowl, combine the mixed dried fruits, candied peel, chopped nuts, and glacé cherries.

- Add 2 tbsp of flour and toss the fruit and nuts to coat them lightly.

- This helps to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round or 8-inch square cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4: Add Eggs

- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

- If the mixture looks curdled, add a tablespoon of flour and continue mixing.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the orange juice, rum (if using), and milk.

- Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7: Add Fruit and Nuts

- Fold the prepared fruit and nut mixture into the batter until evenly combined.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

- If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Serve

- Once the cake has cooled, slice and serve. For enhanced flavor, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and.

- let it rest for a day or two before serving. The flavors will continue to develop over time.