My Christmas Cake...

Well Donna Hay's actually, but I've made it 3 years running now, so I'm claiming it as mine!
Here is the recipe...

3 cups of Raisins
1,1/4 cups sultanas
3/4 cup currants
1 cup slivered almonds
3/4 cup chopped dates
3/4 cup brandy
300g butter, softened
1,1/4 cup brown sugar
4 eggs
2,1/4 cup plain flour
1/4 teaspoon bicarb of soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2-3 tablespoons extra brandy

Soak all fruit and almonds in brandy for 8 hours or so
Beat butter and sugar for 8 minutes, add each egg and beat well.
Place the soaked fruit in a large bowl with flour, bicarb, cinnamon and allspice and coat well.
Add the butter mixture and stir well.
Line a square cake tin with two layers of baking paper and cook in a 140 degree oven for 2 hours. Spoon over extra brandy while still warm.
Decorate as you desire and serve as is or with homemade custard.
Enjoy :)