Traditional Christmas Cake

• 10 oz (275 g) plain flour
• 1 level teaspoon mixed spice

Sieve together the flour, spice and salt and set aside. Cream together the butter and sugar until very soft and light. Lightly mix the eggs, treacle and vanilla essence together, then gradually beat into the creamtd mixture a little at a time. Add some of the flour along with the last few additions of egg.

Rinse the cherries in warm water to remove the outer sugary coating. Pat dry and