Creole Christmas Cake

3 tb Rum

3 tb Brandy

3 tb Cherry brandy

3 tb Cointreau

3 tb Water

1 1/2 ts Angostura bitters

1/2 ts Ground cinnamon

1/2 ts Ground nutmeg

1/2 ts Ground cloves

1/2 ts Salt

1 1/2 ts Vanilla extract

1 tb Molasses sugar

225 g Sultanas

225 g Raisins

225 g Currants

100 g Stoned no-soak prunes;

-chopped 50 g Glace cherries; chopped

100 g Mixed candied peel

50 g Almonds; chopped

50 g Pecans; chopped

250 g Self-raising flour

250 g Demerara sugar

250 g Butter; room temperature

5 ea Eggs (size 1)

This very rich cake from the West Indies is ideal for those who prefer not to ice their Christmas cakes. Indeed, icing is not recommended. Just tie a brightly coloured ribbon round it and you have a real feast of cake. The fruit and nuts are soaked for a week before baking. Directions: Six to eight days before you intend to bake the cake, measure out the rum, brandy, cherry brandy, cointreau, water and bitters into a large saucepan. Then add the spices, sugar, fruit and nuts. Stir the ingredients together and heat them over a very low heat until the liquid is just moving - DO NOT LET IT BOIL. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Tip the mixture into a mixing bowl or other glass or china container and allow it to cool completely. Cover the bowl with a double layer of clingfilm and place in the refrigerator or a very cool place. Stir the mixture from time to time during the next few days. Six to eight days later, preheat the oven to Gas 1, 275 F., 140 C. Cream the butter and sugar together and

fold in the flour and beaten eggs. Add the fruit mixture a little at a time until it is evenly blended. Spoon the cake mixture into the prepared tin, level the top and bake in the preheated oven for about 3 1/2 to 4 hours. If you think the cake is becoming too brown, place a double thickness of greaseproof paper over the top of it as protection. When the cake is quite cold, wrap it in greaseproof paper first then either place it well in a plastic cake box or wrap it in silver foil. This cake will keep for a few weeks. Taken from Christmas baking magazine.
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