Porter Cake

On the one hand, this cake is nothing more than a sort of everyday fruitcake that’s dark; on the other hand, it’s so much more: the addition of porter (there are other porters and stouts besides Guinness, but I don’t use them) brings depth and complexity to the finished product, brightened by orange zest and speckled with candied cherries. Wrapped well and sealed in an airtight container, this is an ideal “cutting cake” that will keep well for a week or ten days, perfect to serve at an afte