New favourite cake

8 0z mixture of dates, dried apricots, dried figs - chopped
1teaspoon bicarb of soda
pinch of salt
1/2 pint hot water
10 oz wholemeal self raising flour
4 oz softened butter
2 oz chopped walnuts
1 piece preserved stem ginger - chopped
1/2 teaspoon mixed spice
4 oz demerara (or soft brown) sugar
1 egg beaten

• Put dried fruit into a large bowl with the hot water, bicarb of soda, and salt. Leave to cool whilst you get on with the rest.
• Tip flour into another bowl and rub in the butter.
• Stir in the ginger, sugar and walnuts.
• Add dry ingredients to the water and fruit.
• Beat in egg.
• Pour into a lined 1kg loaf tin and bake at gas mark 4 (180 deg C) for 1 - 1.25 hours.

As with all fruit cakes it will keep for ages and ages if you keep it wrapped up.