Bourke Street Bakery Christmas Cake

Christmas Fruit Soak (make the fruit soak 5 weeks in advance)

• 55 g (2 oz/¼ cup) caste

To make the fruit soak, put the sugar in a saucepan with the water and bring to the boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Pour the brandy and cooled sugar syrup into an airtight container and add the fruit, mixing well to coat. Cover and keep at room temperature for about 5 weeks. During the first week you will need to stir