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1
Grease a 230mm deep round cake tin and line the base and sides with a double layer of greased greaseproof paper.
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2
Cut each cherry into quarters rinse and drain well.
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3
Drain and roughly chop the pineapple then dry both the cherries and pineapple very thoroughly on absorbent kitchen paper.
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4
Snip the apricots into pcs.
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5
Blanch the whole almonds in boiling water then skin and roughly chop.
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6
Place the prepared fruit and nuts in a large washingup or possibly mixing bowl with the grated lemon rind and sultanas and gently mix.
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7
Add in the remaining ingredients and beat well for I minute till smooth.
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8
Turn the mix into the prepared cake tin.
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9
Level the surface and decorate the top with blanched whole almonds and halved glace cherries.
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10
Stand a grill rack in its lowest position in the large roasting tin and place the cake on top.
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11
Slide the roasting tin nn to the lowest set of runners in the roasting oven with the cool plain shelf above on the second set of runners.
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12
Bake the cake for about 30 min till a pale golden the colour of a perfect Victoria sandwich.
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13
Watch very carefully.
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14
Then transfer roasting tin and cake to the simmering oven and cook for about a further 2 1/2 hrs till a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the cake.
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15
Cook on the grid shelf on the lowest set of runners in the baking oven for 1 hour sliding the cool plain shelf on to the set of runners above if the cake is getting too brown.
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16
Watch very carefully.
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17
Transfer to the simmering oven for a further 45 to 60 min till a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the cake.
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18
Leave to cold in the tin for about 30 min then turn out and cold completely on a wire rack.
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19
You am glaze the cake if liked.
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20
Mix the sieved icing sugar with sufficient water to give a thin icing and drizzle over the top of the cake.
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21
This is a little tricky to bake but just watch the colour carefully and you will be amply rewarded.
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22
It is very very important to drain and dry the fruit well.
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23
If they are at all wet the cake may become mouldy.
