Fruit cake for the new year!

1. In a pan, add orange juice, rum extract, cherries, raisins and walnuts. Cook on medium heat while stirring until all the liquid is soaked up. Switch off the gas and let this mixture cool down.
2. In a small bowl, sift together the all purpose flour, baking powder and salt. Keep aside.
3. In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together at medium speed.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing in between. Stir in the vanilla and orange essence.
5. Now hold on to 2 tbsp of flour mixture and spoon the rest of the flour mixture into the liquid one and stir it enough to combine.
6. Sprinkle the 2 tbsp of flour mixture on the prepared fruit nut mixture and toss it well. This method will not let the fruits n nuts sink to the bottom while baking.
7. Add the nut mixture to the prepared batter and mix using a spatula.
8. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and pour the mixture into the pan.
9. Bake in 350 degree F pre-heated oven for about 40-45 min or until the toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cake cool for 15-20 minutes before removing from the pan and let it cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy the delicious Fruit Cake and Have a wonderful New Year!