Boiled Fruit Cake (Joy of Baking)

Ingredients

• 1 cup (210 grams) light brown sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
• 1/4 cup (56 grams) unsalted butter
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (250 grams) seedless raisins
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups (195 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (175 grams) candied and chopped mixed peel

Directions

1. Butter, or spray with a nonstick vegetable spray, a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (177 degrees C). (Note: if using a dark colored pan reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).)
3. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a boil the sugar, water, butter, spices, and raisins.
4. Boil for five minutes, remove from heat, and let cool till lukewarm.
5. Stir into this mixture the lightly beaten eggs, flour, baking soda, vanilla extract and candied fruit.
6. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 45 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
8. Cover and store, if possible, for a few days before serving.