Christmas Cake

A must have menu while celebrating Christmas and New Year. Here's the recipe of Christmas Cake / Rich Fruit Cake.
Happy Baking!!!!!

Ingredients:

• 11oz (310 gms) self raising flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 10oz (280 gms) white butter (unsalted butter)
• 10 oz (280 gms) soft brown sugar
• 5 eggs
• 2 tbsp black treacle
• ½ tsp vanilla essence
• 5 oz (140 gms) glace cherries
• 5 oz (140 gms) glace pineapples
• 3 oz (85gms) chopped almonds
• 3 tbsp brandy / rum
• 1½ level tsp mixed spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice, Mace and ground Cloves)
• 2½ lb (1 kg) mixed dried fruits (Dates, Sultanas, Currants, Raisins)

Let’s start:

1. Prepare a 9" (inch) round cake tin, well greased with little flour on the surface and lined with a double thickness (two layers) of greaseproof paper. Keep aside.
2. Sift self raising powder flour (flour mixed with a pinch of baking powder), salt and mixed spices.
3. Cream butter and sugar till light and fluffy.
4. Blend eggs with black treacle and vanilla essence.
5. Beat in egg mixture a little at a time, sifting in one rounded tbsp flour with each addition.
6. Add dried fruit, glace cherries, glace pineapple and almonds and mix thoroughly.
7. Stir in remaining flour and transfer mixture into the prepared tin and hollow out the centre.
8. Bake in micro oven at 335 degree Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes.
9. Test the cake by inserting a clean knife in the centre of the cake, if the knife comes out clean, the cake is ready.
10. If the cake is not done, reduce the heat to 250 degree F and bake for another 10 - 15 minutes or until done.
11. Cover the cake with kitchen paper when it is nicely colored.
12. Leave at least 15 minutes before turning out on to a wire tray to cool.
13. Wrap in greaseproof paper on aluminium foil and store in cool place / airtight tin till required.

Note: The brandy / rum may be added to the mixture with the eggs, but it gives more flavour to the cake if the top is lightly pricked with a skewer and the spirit is poured carefully over the cake.

Pictures courtesy: google