175g/6oz ready-to-eat dried apricots, snipped into pieces
1 unwaxed lemon, finely grated zest only
Β½ tsp grated nutmeg
1 orange, finely grated zest only
65g/2Β½oz whole almonds, chopped (skins left on)
50 whole blanched almonds
75g/3oz mixed candied peel, finely chopped
400g/14oz currants
275g/10oz plain flour
175g/6oz glacΓ© cherries, rinsed, dried and quartered
10 glacΓ© cherries, rinsed, dried and halved
ΒΎ tsp ground mixed spice
225g/8oz raisins
400g/14oz dark muscovado sugar
225g/8oz sultanas
1 tbsp black treacle
400g/14oz butter, softened
5 free-range eggs
4 tbsp brandy, plus extra for 'feeding' the cake