New-Style Christmas Cake

Ingredients:

3 x 1.5 ounce (75 g) packets (1 1/2 cups) whole Brazil nuts
8 ounces (250 g) pitted dates
2 x 1.5 ounce (75 g) packets (1 1/4 cups) crushed walnuts
2/3 cups chopped candied peel
3.5 ounce (100 g) packet (1/2 cup) red glace cherries
3.5 ounce (100 g) packet (1/2 cup) green glace cherries
1/2 cup seeded raisins
1/4 cup brandy
3/4 cup all-purpose (plain) flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
2 tablespoons brandy, extra

Microwave Method:

1. Place un-chopped nuts and fruit in a large bowl. Pour over brandy, cover and leave overnight.
2. Stir flour, baking powder, salt and brown sugar into fruit.
3. Stir in eggs and vanilla essence until a stiff mixture is formed.
4. Spoon into a greased 10 x 4 inch (26 x 11 cm) microwave plastic loaf dish.
5. Cook for 14-16 minutes on MEDIUM HIGH. Allow to cool in loaf dish. Pour over extra brandy while warm.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Place un-chopped nuts and fruit in a large bowl. Pour over brandy, cover and leave overnight.
2. Stir flour, baking powder, salt and brown sugar into fruit.
3. Stir in eggs and vanilla essence until a stiff mixture is formed.
4. Spoon into a greased 9 X 5 inch (24 x 13 cm) loaf tin.
5. Place on Low Rack, cook for 30-34 minutes on LOW MIX/BAKE (300 degrees F/150 degrees C).
6. Allow to cool in tin. Pour over extra brandy while warm.