Fearless Females: Audrey Ball HAYWOOD's Boiled Cake

I find traditional Christmas fruit cake far too stodgy.  Here is Audrey Ball HAYWOOD (my mother)'s recipe for boiled cake (where you boil the ingredients before making the cake), which is much lighter.

1/2 pint milk
6 oz marge
6 oz sugar
10 oz mixed fruit
2 teaspoons mixed spice
1 teaspoon bicarb
10 oz self-raising flour
2 eggs

Place all ingredients, except bicarb, flour and eggs, into a large saucepan.  Bring to the boil and boil for 10 minutes.  Add bicarb while still hot, mix well, and leave to cool.  Add flour and beaten eggs.  Cook for 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees or Reg 4.

8" tin