Best ever fruit cake

Method

• step 1

  Put the sugar, sultanas, currants, raisins, water, cherries, butter or margarine, salt into a saucepan, bringing it to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

• step 2

  Pour into a mixing bowl and allow to cool. Pre heat the oven to 170 degrees / Gas Mark 3.

• step 3

  Grease and line with grease proof paper a 20 cm round cake tin.

• step 4

  Add the egg to the cooled fruit mixture and stir in well. Add the flour and mix well.

• step 5

  Turn into the prepared cake tin, smooth the top and arrange optional almonds on the top.

• step 6

  Bake for 1.25 - 1.50 hours until risen and golden brown. Cool slightly before turning out. The cake improves with keeping.