Black Fruit Cake

==Ingredients==
* 2 lbs flour 900 g
* 1½ lbs brown sugar 900 g
* 1 lb margarine 450 g
* 1 pt (2 cups) stout 500 ml
* 1 pt blackening for cake (used to get desired color)
* ½ – 1 lb each of raisins, prune, date, pecan, cherries and mixed fruits 250 – 450 g
* 1 pt strong rum (diluted to give 1 qt.) used to steep fruits
* 1 tsp baking powder (optional) 5 ml
* 1 nutmeg (grated)
* 2 tsp cinnamon or 2 pieces cinnamon stick (pound in a strong, clean cloth) or 3 tsp allspice 10 – 15 ml
* 8 – 10 eggs
* 1 cup syrup or brown sugar for stewing fruits 250 ml
* 1 cup flour for fruits 250 ml 
						
==Directions==
# Stew fruits from the night before.
# Use ¼ – ½ lb brown sugar for stewing fruits (let fruits simmer for 5 – 10 minutes).
# Next day, prepare cake tins.
# Grease with shortening and line with brown paper bag (set aside).
# Cream margarine or butter with sugar.
# Add eggs, one at a time.
# Mix well.
# Add flour alternately with black coloring.
# Mix well each addition.
# Add stout (about ¾ of a pint).
# Mix well.
# Cover fruits with 1 cup flour.
# Add to mixture.
# Fold in fruits.
# Bake for 2 – 3 hours in oven at 250°F – 300°F / 145°C or until cake is dried when tested (set pan in water).
Category:Belizean Desserts
Category:Cherry Desserts
Category:Cherry Recipes
Category:Rum Recipes
Category:Prune Recipes
Category:Raisin Recipes