Traditional Christmas Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 cups golden raisins
1 1/2 g raisins
1 1/4 cups pitted dates, chopped
1 cup mixed dried fruit
1 cup mixed glace cherries, chopped
1/2 cup currants
1 cup brandy
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
1 1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
5 None eggs
1 tbsp orange marmalade
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 2/3 cups flour, sifted
None None Decorations of your choice

Preparation

Combine fruit and 1/2 cup of the brandy in a large glass bowl. Mix well. Cover with plastic wrap and soak overnight.
Preheat the oven to 250\u00b0F. Line bottom and sides of a deep 9-inch square baking pan with 2 layers of parchment paper, allowing it to extend 1 inch above rim.
Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in marmalade and vanilla. Transfer to a very large bowl.
Fold half soaked fruit and half flour into batter (use a clean hand if you like). Fold in remaining fruit and flour. Pour carefully into prepared pan (make sure to pack into corners), smoothing top.
Bake for 2 1/2-3 hours, until a skewer comes out clean. Brush with remaining brandy. Cool completely in pan, covered with a layer of foil and a clean tea towel.
When cold, wrap in plastic wrap and foil. Store in an airtight container in a cool place. Decorate as desired.