1. Preheat oven to 120°C/220°F/Gas 1/2. Line a deep 19 cm / 8" round or 18 cm / 7" square cake tin with a double layer of baking parchment.
2. Place all the Ingredients from Lot 1 into a large mixing bowl and beat until smooth.
3. Mix Lot 2 Ingredients together and add to Lot 1. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer to the prepared tin. Smooth the top.
5. Bake for 3.5-4 hours approximately. Check at intervals after 2 1/2 hours. Some ovens make take longer but ensure you are monitoring closely after 2 1/2 hours.
6. Leave cake in the tin until cold.
7. To decorate: Brush with heated jam or honey and cover with almond paste or marzipan. Leave for 24 hours to "set".
8. Brush almond paste or marzipan with a little alcohol and cover with ready to roll icing.
9. Decorate as liked.

For more great Christmas Recipes from Odlums tryour°Classic Christmas Recipes book