Sweet delights

2-in-1 basic fruit mix

This mixture makes 1 cake and 1 pudding.

PREP TIME 20 MINUTES (+ STANDING TIME)

We were inspired by the Italian classic cockail, a Negroni, for this year’s cake and pudding.

1kg (6 cups) sultanas
300g (2 cups) currants
375g (2½ cups) raisins, chopped
600g (3½ cups) pitted dried prunes, chopped finely
200g glacé red cherries
250g (1 cup) glacé fruit (such as orange, pineapple, apricot, peach), chopped
¾ cup (250g) apricot jam
1 tablespoon finely grated orange rind
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons ground ginger
1 cup (250ml) Campari
1 cup (250ml) sloe gin
½ cup (125ml) Grand Marnier, Cointreau or vermouth
½ cup (125ml) fresh orange juice

1 Combine the fruit, jam, rind and spices in a large bowl. Add the alcohol and juice; stir to combine.

2 Cover; stand mixture at room temperature for three to seven days, or longer if you like, stirring occasionally. Or for a quick shortcut, plump the fruit in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on HIGH, stirring halfway, until the fruit mixture is hot and the alcohol is absorbed.

Suitable to freeze and microwave.

TEST KITCHEN TIP

CSR dark brown sugar is high in molasses and adds a bold toffee