Christmas Fruit Cake

Ingredients

• 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons milk powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon mixed spices
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 7 cups mixed dried fruits (please refer to Notes for preparation method)
• 1 - 1 1/2 cups Brandy or dark rum (please refer to Notes for preparation method)
• 2 sticks butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans or pistachios (optional)

Steps

1. 1

   Grease and line 5–6 mini loaf pans. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Sift the flour, milk powder, and spices together.

2. 2

   Combine the mixed fruits butter, sugar, honey, orange juice, and baking soda in a large saucepan. Stir over low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool.

3. 3

   Combine the eggs and gently beat them using a fork. Carefully stir the beaten eggs into the cooled cake mixture. Fold in the sifted ingredients, then spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. (Optional step: decorate the cake with 10 whole pecans as a decorative topping). Bake for about 1 hour or until cooked through.

4. 4

   Remove the cake from the oven and brush the top with brandy. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil. For the best flavor, let the cake sit for a few days to age before serving.