Christmas Cake

ingredients

1. seed less dates-1 cup
2. pineapple-1/2 cup(chopped into large pieces)
3. apricots-1/2 cup(chopped into large pieces)
4. red glace cherries-1/2 cup
5. green cherries-1/2 cup
6. blanched almonds-1/2 cup
7. raisins-1/2 cup
8. prunes-1/2 cup
9. eggs-2
10. brown sugar-1/2 cup
11. vanilla essence-1 tsp
12. rum or fruit juice-2 tblsp
13. butter-1/4 cup
14. maida-1/2 cup
15. baking powder-1/2 tsp
16. salt-a pinch

method

1. mix all the fruits,reserving 1/2 cup for the topping
2. beat eggs until light and fluffy,then add sugar,vanilla essence,rum or fruit juice,and softened butter
3. continue beating until well blended
4. sift maida,salt and baking powder together add with the fruits mix ,mix thoroughly
5. pour into a greased and buttered cake tin,spread evenly,sprinkle a reserved fruit and nuts on top ,pressing down gently
6. bake in a slow oven for about 1 1/2 hours or until cake is firm to touch
7. allow to cool in tin for 10 minutes