150²µ/5½´Ç³ú dried cranberries
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú dried figs
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú mixed whole nuts
finely grated zest and juice of ½ orange
4 tbsp apricot jam
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú pitted soft prunes
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú mixed dried fruit, such as sultanas, raisins and currants
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú pitted soft-dried dates
750g/1lb 10oz ready to roll fondant
fondant water icing
750g/1lb 10oz marzipan
marzipan
3 tbsp ground mixed spice
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú self-raising flour
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú dark muscovado sugar
3 tbsp black treacle or date syrup, optional
small coloured sweets or sprinkles
150²µ/5½´Ç³ú butter, softened
3 free-range eggs (at room temperature), beaten
150ml/5fl oz brandy, plus optional extra to ‘feed’ the cake