60²µ/2¼´Ç³ú apricots, diced and soaked in 4 tbsp brandy
1 orange, zest only
1 orange
dried orange slices and mint, to decorate
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
100²µ/3½´Ç³ú soft dark brown sugar
175g/6oz pitted dates
4 tbsp icing sugar
icing sugar, to finish
175g/6oz self-raising flour
175g/6oz sugar
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
50²µ/1¾´Ç³ú butter
100²µ/3½´Ç³ú butter
100ml/3½fl oz cream
150ml/5fl oz cream
2 free-range eggs, beaten
100ml/3½fl oz stout