275g (10oz) mixed dried fruit 225g (8oz) light brown sugar 100g (4oz) margarine 225g (8oz) plain flour, sifted 2 tsp mixed spice 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 1/2 tsp ground ginger 2 large eggs, beaten 50ml (2 fl oz) Irish whiskey Pre-heat the oven to Gas

275g (10oz) mixed dried fruit

225g (8oz) light brown sugar

100g (4oz) margarine

225g (8oz) plain flour, sifted

2 tsp mixed spice

1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

1 1/2 tsp ground ginger

2 large eggs, beaten

50ml (2 fl oz) Irish whiskey

Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 3, 160 deg C, 325 deg F.

Grease and line a 900g (2lb) loaf tin.

Put the mixed fruit, sugar and margarine in a pan with 8 fl oz cold water and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and leave to cool for a few minutes.

Add a little of the flour, the mixed spice, bicarbonate of soda and the ground ginger. Mix well and leave to stand until cool.

Beat the eggs well and add to the mixture with the whiskey and remaining flour, then mix well and pour into the tin. Bake for 11/2 to 13/4 hours until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Remove from the oven and turn out on to a wire rack to cool.

JUDY BROADWAY