**Bake a Delightful Fruit Cake for Nico: A Tower of Fantasy Treat**
**Introduction:**
Indulge yourself and your favorite Tower of Fantasy character, Nico, with a scrumptious fruit cake! Follow our simple recipe that’s both engaging and SEO-optimized.
**Gathering the Essentials:**
Nico would surely appreciate a homemade fruit cake. Gather essential ingredients: "1 cup raisins, 1 cup sultanas, 1 cup currants, 1 lb mixed candied peel, 4 oz blanched almonds, zest and juice of 1 orange, zest and juice of 1 lemon, 1 lb butter, 1 lb light soft brown sugar, 9 eggs, 1 lb plain flour, 1 lb bread fruit, 1 lb mixed candied cherries, 1 lb mixed dried figs."
**Preparation:**
"As I grated the zest of a fresh orange, my kitchen filled with warmth and anticipation," recalls baking enthusiast Marla. With this simple yet tantalizing start, we embark on our fruit cake journey.
**Mixing It Up:**
"In a large bowl, mix together the fruits, almonds, and citrus zest and juice," Marla instructs. Meanwhile, "cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy." Gradually add eggs, followed by the flour, baking spices, and fruit mixture.
**Baking and Cooling:**
Transfer the cake batter to a lined 12-inch round tin and bake at 300°F for 4 hours. Once baked, allow it to cool before serving or storing.
**Expert Insights:**
According to baking expert Jane, "Adding brandy or rum to the fruit cake batter adds an extra layer of flavor."
**Summary:**
Craft a delectable fruit cake for Nico with this easy-to-follow recipe. The tangible joy of creating something scrumptious for your Tower of Fantasy companion is boundless!
**FAQs:**
- Can I use gluten-free flour in the recipe? Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of plain flour.
- How long will this fruit cake last? Properly stored, it can keep for up to six months.
