Happy X'mas-Plum Cake!

Ingredients:
1.Sugar-1 cup
2.Butter-1/4 lbs(one stick unsalted)
3.Egg-3
4.Maida-1 cup
5.Baking powder-2 tsp
6.Salt-1/2 tsp

7.Spice powders:
a)Cinnamon-1/4 tsp
b)Ginger-1/4 tsp
c)Cloves-1/4 tsp
d)Nutmeg-1/4 tsp


8.Dried Fruits-1 cup(Dates,Black raisins,cherries,plums,tutty-fruity etc)
9.Nuts-1/2 cup(cashews,almonds,walnuts)
10.Orange or lemon zest-1/2 tsp(grated skin of orange or lemon)

For Caramel:
1.Sugar-1/4 cup
2.Water-1 tbs
3.Warm water-1/4 cup
4.Vanilla Extract-1 tsp

Method:
1.Soak dried fruits in rum or imitation rum(it is available in all american grocery stores..i tried with this) for atleast few days or a week or a month in advance.

2.Caramel: In medium heat, heat ¼ cup of sugar with 1 tbsp of water and keep stirring until the color changes from light brown to dark brown. This would take minimum 15 minutes. Once the color becomes darker, remove the pan and pour ¼ cup warm water. To this add the 1tsp vanilla extract. Keep it aside.

3.Take a big bowl and add 1 cup sugar, ¼ lb butter (room temperature) and 3 eggs (room temperature).Blend sugar and butter by adding the eggs one by one.

4.In another bowl, mix maida with baking powder , salt, and all spice powders.Add caramel water and blend well.

5.Add step 4 mixture to step 3 mixture and blend well.

6.Add soaked dried fruits(drain the liquid), nuts and orange or lemon zest into the final mixture.

7.Preheat the oven for 10 minutes in 350F.

8.Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan, and bake at 350F for 50 minutes to 60 minutes. Once done, remove the cake and keep in a cooling rack and allow it cool and store in a air tight container. Allow to set all flavours.So cut it after 4-5 days.

Courtesy:Priyas Kitchen