Eggless Cinnamon Fruit Cake.....

Merry Christmas All...

Needless to say, Christmas is incomplete without the traditional fruit cake..
I love the fruit cake.. but more than that.. something which really makes my mouth water is the Plum cake often found in Bangalore Nilgiris.. I am sure this cake is found in all parts of India but my memory goes to the Nilgiris bakery which serves a delicious rich plum cake.. I have always tried methods of getting a recipe for an easier version of this cake but invain.. i am sure its out there somewhere.

Here is a version of eggless cake for all the vegans.. The dry fruits can be selected as per the taste.. This cake is also simply good with cranberries and pistachios.. I have used a mixture of regular tooty fruity mix with dried plums and raisins.. If you dont like cinnamom, you can use just a tsp....
This is my entry to the "Think Spice" event hosted by Sunita's blog http://sunitabhuyan.blogspot.com/2007/12/think-ginger-round-up-and-announcing.html

Ingredients
2 cups self raising flour
2teaspoon cinnamon powder
1/2 level teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup butter
3/4 cup dried mixed fruit ( I have added dried plums to this to get the flavour of plums)
1/2 cup sugar
12 tablespoons hot water
1/4 cup pepsi/thumpsup
1/2 level teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
flaked almonds

Method
soak the dry fruit and plums in pepsi for 30mins.-

Put the cinnamon spice, nutmeg, butter, dried mixed fruit, sugar and water into a saucepan.- Place the over a medium heat and stir the mixture until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.-

Bring to the boil and then simmer for 3 minutes.- Remove from heat and cool until lukewarm.- Add the bicarbonate of soda and stir.-

Put the flour into a large mixing bowl and make a well in the center of it.- Pour the lukewarm mixture into this. -

Mix well and pour into a greased cake pan(i have used rectangular)- Smooth the top of the mixture and sprinkle with nuts if u wish to.- Bake on the middle shelf of the oven for 1 hour 15 minutes at 375 F- Turn onto a wire rack to cool

(tip: you can use any combination of dry and mixed fruits..the natural gum of the dried fruit peel actually acts as a binder here so I have used more fruit peels and soaked fruits than regular dried fruits...)