Mary Berry’s classic rich Christmas cake - recipe

ok.co.uk:

Christmas is a time for delicious food, drink and laughter with family and friends. Some people also have their own traditions that they honour every year without fail, like making a Christmas cake.

If you want to make your own but you don't know where to start, follow Mary Berry's classic recipe below that we have picked for you to try.

We promise it's really tasty and you can enjoy it with a dollop of cream or ice cream if you fancy being extra indulgent... Classic rich Christmas cake Ingredients 115g red or natural glacé cherries, quartered 115g ready-to-eat dried apricots, snipped into pieces 275g currants 175g sultanas 175g raisins 55g candied peel, finely chopped 3 tbsp brandy 225g plain flour ¼ level tsp freshly grated nutmeg ½ level tsp ground mixed spice 225g butter, softened 225g dark muscovado sugar 4 large eggs 55g chopped almonds (scant) 1 tbsp black treacle Finely grated zest of 1 lemon Finely grated zest of 1 orange To finish Brandy, to feed the cake 675g almond paste or marzipan To decorate 675g fondant or ready-to-roll icing Almond paste (leftover from putting over the cake) Green food colouring Icing sugar, sifted Ribbon (or your favourite decorations) Method ■ Begin this cake the night before you bake it.

Place the cherries in a sieve and rinse. Drain and dry thoroughly. ■ Measure all the fruits and chopped peel into a large bowl.