No, these few attempts have been really easy, Charmion. Like Mary’s Chocolate Cake - just weigh the bits into the bowl and let the mixer do the work.

I think the next cake I do will be a bit different as it’s prepared in a saucepan. I’ve only made it once before but it’s been a family favourite for a while.

Porter Cake
7fl oz Guiness Original
6oz butter
1lb mixed dried fruit
Grated zest and juice of 1 orange
60z light soft brown sugar
1tsp bicarbonate soda
3 eggs (beaten)
10oz plain flour
2tsp mixed spice

Topping
2tbs demerara sugar
2tbs flaked almonds

Heat Oven to 130C

Put butter, fruit, sugar, orange and Guiness in a large saucepan and slowly bring to the boil. Turn down the heat and simmer for 15 minutes stirring gently. Cool for 10 minutes.

Stir in bicarbonate of soda (this can froth up a lot).
Stir in the beaten eggs
Add flour and spice and mix well.
Pour mixture into loaf tin and sprinkle the top with the sugar and almonds
Bake for 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours.