Delicious Wheat, Gluten & Dairy Free Christmas Fruit Cake

This is my Wheat, Gluten and Dairy free version of my trusty DELICIOUS CHRISTMAS FRUIT CAKE. It is absolutely gorgeous! I find that it is sweet enough on it's own so I prefer not to ice it.

Delicious Wheat, Gluten & Dairy Free Christmas Fruit Cake

Ingredients:
250g Wooden Spoon Margarine
1 C Water
1 C Sugar
3 C Fruit Cake Mix (I use 1C each of cake mix, raisins and sultanas.)
1/2 C Chopped Dates
1/2 C Chopped Cherries
1 tsp Bicarb
2 C Gluten free Flour
1 tsp Cocoa powder
1 tsp Gluten free Baking powder
Pinch salt
1/2 tsp each of Cinnamon, Allspice, Nutmeg & Ginger
2 Eggs
60ml Brandy

Method:
1. Place the margarine, water, sugar, fruit mix, dates, cherries and bicarb into a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes until sugar and dates dissolve. Allow to cool.
2. In a jug beat the eggs and brandy together and add to the cooled fruit mixture.
3. Sift the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and add the fruit mixture to it. Mix well.
4. Pour mixture into a greased and lined tin. (I use a loaf tin, but square or round tins can also be used.) Cover the top with tinfoil. (Shiny side out to prevent burning)
5. Bake in a preheated oven of 160* for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake at 180* for a further 30 minutes.
6. Turn cake out and wrap in a damp dishcloth (don't ask me why, I haven't a clue!)
7. Allow to cool for 20 minutes before icing the cake. (It's sweet enough on it's own if you choose not to :) )