Iced Christmas cake

110g real glacé cherries

50g whole almonds

350g sultanas

350g currants

350g raisins

110g homemade candied peel

50g ground almonds

zest of 1 organic unwaxed lemon

zest of 1 organic unwaxed orange

60ml Irish whiskey

225g butter

225g pale, soft-brown sugar or golden caster sugar

6 eggs

275g flour

1 tsp mixed spice

1 large or 2 small Bramley seedling apples, grated

For the almond paste:

450g golden caster sugar

450g ground almonds

2 eggs

2 tbsp Irish whiskey

drop of pure almond extract (be careful, it’s very intense)

For brushing on the cake:

1 organic egg white, lightly whisked, or sieved apricot jam

For the fondant icing:

1 x 450g packet fondant (optional)