Christmas Cake....

Christmas is almost here and my 8 week cake decorating class is over. Did it ever go quick, it was something I was really glad that I finally did. I did learn a lot and here are some of the fruits of my labour. My teacher Betty's Cake recipe is the one we used in the class to bake and cover etc , so I am spreading the Christmas cheer by sharing her recipe, it is a basic recipe so dont expect all the bells and whistles.It still turned out delicious and the more in advance that you make it before the big day , the more the cake will sing in  your mouth with each bite.

1kg + 200g mixed fruit

200g butter

100g white sugar

100g brown sugar

4 eggs

4TBSP Of Rum/Brandy/Sherry or Whiskey

300g Plain Flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp mixed spice

a good pinch of salt

Prepare the Fruit the day before the cake is made. Sprinkle with the Rum /Brandy/Sherry (The longer you leave the fruit to soak the better)

Preheat oven to 140-150 C

Beat the butter and both sugars to a soft cream.Add the unbeaten eggs one at a time. Beating well after each addition add half the fruit .

Sift the Flour,baking powder,salt and spices, add half to the mixture then the remaining fruit and the the remainder of the flour. Mix well

Place into a baking tray which has been lined with baking paper and well greased with butter and dusted with flour.

Bake in the lower half off the oven for 3-3.5 hrs or until done (In my fan forced oven it was done in about 2 hours).