* Exported from MasterCook * Porter Cake Recipe By : Festive Food of Ireland by Darina Allen Serving Size : 20 Preparation Time :0:00 Categories : Cakes Irish Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -------- ------------ -------------------------------- 1 c Butter 1 1/2 c Brown sugar -- packed 1 1/4 c Guinness or stout -- - or more if desired 1 Orange -- zest of 1 c Sultanas 1 c Raisins 1/2 c Mixed candied peel 4 c Flour 1/2 ts Baking soda 2 ts Mixed spice 1/2 c Whole candied cherries 3 Eggs Place butter and brown sugar in saucepan and set over medium heat until butter is melted. Stir in Guinness. Add orange zest, sultanas, raisins, and candied peel. Bring mixture to boil and boil 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and cool until lukewarm. Sift flour, baking soda, and mixed spice into mixing bowl. Add fruit mixture to flour along with cherries. Whisk eggs in small bowl and add gradually to fruit-flour mixture, mixing well. Spoon mixture into greased and floured 9-inch round cake pan. Bake on middle shelf at 350°F about 1-1/2 hours. Remove from oven and cool on cake rack. After completely cooled, remove from pan. If desired, pierce cake with skewer and pour 1/4 cup Guinness over cake to keep it moist. Wrap tightly and let rest overnight before cutting or serving. If stored in cake tin. Porter Cake will keep well for several weeks. Notes: Mixed spice is a standard ingredient in Irish baking. It can be bought anywhere in Ireland. To make your own, grind together 1 tb coriander seeds, 1 crushed cinnamon stick (2"), 1 ts allspice berries, and 1 ts whole cloves. Stir in 1 tb freshly grated nutmeg and 2 ts ground ginger. Store in airtight container and keep in cool place away from light. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -