Grease and line a large square or round cake tin with baking paper, and grease the paper as well. Heat oven to 375 deg F or 190 deg Celsius.
In a large pot mix the first 10 ingredients up to and including the boiling water.
Stir well. Bring to boiling, and simmer without a lid for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and cool somewhat.
Stir in the butter and baking soda, and stir well to mix. The mixture will fizz a little.
When it has cooled down some more, scrape mixture into the bowl of your electric mixture.
Using lowest speed, add the next 9 ingredients up to and including the brandy or whisky (or use bourbon).
When everything has been incorporated well, remove the bowl from the mixer. Fold in the chopped figs, whole cherries and roughly chopped nuts. Use a wooden spoon.
Spoon the batter into the prepared tin, and smooth the top.
Bake 2 hours, BUT lower heat to 350 deg F /180 deg C after the first hour.
At the same time lay a double thickness of foil over the cake to prevent scorching.
Test with a skewer before removing!
Turn out gently on a wire rack and sprinkle over the last ingredient: the extra half cup of booze.
When cool, place on waxed paper in an airtight cake tin. Before using at Christmas, sprinkle over brandy, whisky or bourbon another 2 - 3 times.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving Per 100 g

Amount Per 1 Serving
Calories	712.52 Kcal (2983 kJ)
Calories from fat	271.72 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	30.19g	46%
Cholesterol	40.63mg	14%
Sodium	1112.44mg	46%
Potassium	616.8mg	13%
Total Carbs	108.73g	36%
Sugars	47.99g	192%
Dietary Fiber	5.02g	20%
Protein	5.71g	11%
Vitamin C	189.1mg	315%
Vitamin A	0.2mg	6%
Iron	2.8mg	16%
Calcium	533.4mg	53%

Amount Per 100 g
Calories	290.55 Kcal (1216 kJ)
Calories from fat	110.8 Kcal
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	12.31g	46%
Cholesterol	16.57mg	14%
Sodium	453.63mg	46%
Potassium	251.51mg	13%
Total Carbs	44.34g	36%
Sugars	19.57g	192%
Dietary Fiber	2.05g	20%
Protein	2.33g	11%
Vitamin C	77.1mg	315%
Vitamin A	0.1mg	6%
Iron	1.2mg	16%
Calcium	217.5mg	53%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Find out how many calories should you eat.

Tastes

salty
savory
bitter
sweet

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