Porter cake

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Melt the butter, sugar and stout in a saucepan. Add the orange rind and all the fruit, except the cherries. Bring the mixture to the boil and boil for 3-4 minutes stirring frequently.

3. Remove from the heat and allow to cool until it is lukewarm. Sieve the flour, bread soda and spice into a mixing bowl. Add fruit to the flour and add the cherries.

4. Beat the eggs, add gradually, mixing evenly through the mixture. Cook at 180°C on the middle shelf for 1 hour 10 minutes approx, or until a skewer comes out clean.