VAS Ltd
Rich Fruit Cake Recipe

Ingredients
250g sultanas    
250g chopped raisins
250g currants    
125g chopped mixed peel
90g chopped red glace cherries    
90g chopped blanched almonds
1/3 cup sherry or brandy  
 250g plain flour
60g self-raising flour  
¼ tsp grated nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger    
½ tsp ground cloves
250g butter    
250g soft brown sugar
½ tsp lemon essence OR finely grated lemon rind
½ tsp almond essence  
½ tsp vanilla essence
4 large eggs
 

Method:
Cut the fruit and almonds into 3-4 pieces.  
Mix together all the fruits and nuts, and sprinkle with sherry or brandy.
Cover and leave for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight.
Sift together the flours and spices.
Cream together the butter and sugar with the essences.  
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and then alternately add the fruit and flour mixtures.
Mix thoroughly.  The mixture should be stiff enough to support a wooden spoon.
Place the mixture into a prepared tin 20cm square, straight sided, square cornered tin and bake in a slow oven for approximately 31/2 - 4 hours or until cooked.  
Allow the cake to cool in the tin.