PLUM CAKE

Ingredients :

Maida - 1 cup

Baking powder - 1 tsp

Cinnamon Powder - 1/4 tsp

Clove Powder - 1/4 tsp

Dry Ginger - 1/4 tsp

Raisins - 1/4 pound

Dates - 1/4 Pound

Candied fruits,orange and lemon peel - 1/4 cup

Plum,cherry,cranberry,dried fruits - 1/4 cup

Cashew nuts - 1/2 cup

Butter - 1/4 pound

Sugar - 1 cup

Sugar - 1/4 cup(For caramelize)

Eggs - 3

Salt - A pinch

Vanilla Essence - 1 tsp

Method :

1) First caramelize the sugar,heat the sugar is a thick bottom pan with 2 tsp of water till it turns cherry wood colour.When its done,transfer the pan to the sink and pour 1 glass of hot water to it immediately and stirr well.Just stay away while pouring water,b'coz it may splash.allow it cool well.

2) Add rum or brandy(optional) to the dried fruits,whisk with flour and mix well and keep aside.Sieve flour,baking powder,cinnamon ,clove powder and dry ginger together for 2-3 times.

3) Add the dry fruits whisked in flour to this flour mixture and mix well.In a bowl whisk butter well and add the rest of the sugar to this and beat well till creamy.Separate eggs to white and yolk.

4)Add the separated yolk to the above sugar and butter mixture and beat well.When its creamy add flour mixture to it mix well.Add the caramelized sugar to it and beat well.Beat egg white with a pinch a salt and vanilla essence and pour to the above mixture and beat well.

5) Grease the pan with butter and flour and pour the mixture and bake at 350 degree till done.Insert a knife or tooth pick at the center,if it comes off without sticking,then its done.I will not say the time,as it depends up the pan size and oven.So its better to follow the above method.