* Incrediblly simple and easy for all the family to make at this special time. * *
Ingredients * *
175g butter, softened
175g light soft brown sugar *
3 eggs, beaten
175g self-raising flour
½tsp baking powder
2tsp ground mixed spice
115g mixed dried fruit
2tbsp brandy or orange juice *
115g icing sugar
1-2tbsp hot water
12 glace cherries
Holly leaves, to decorate
Method *
1.Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Thoroughly grease a non-stick 12-hole muffin tray and place a circle of baking paper in the base of each hole.
2.Place the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder and mixed spice in a large bowl and beat with an electric hand-held mixed for 3-4 mins until pale and creamy. Fold in the dried mixed fruit and brandy or orange juice.
3.Spoon the mixture into the prepared muffin tray. Bake for 25-30 mins until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into one of the cakes comes out clean. Leave in the tray for 3-4 mins then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.
4.Sift the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in enough of the warm water to make a smooth and thick icing. Spoon the icing onto the top of the cakes, letting it slowly drizzle down the sides. Top each cake with a glace cherry and a couple of holly leaves. Leave to set.
For smaller cakes divide the mixture between 2 x 12-hole buns trays and bake for 20-25 mins.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! *
HO HO HO!
Enjoy! *
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