Eggless Fruitcake

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch pan.
2. 2
   In a saucepan, combine the water, butter, sugar, nutmeg, mixed spice and fruit. Stir over medium heat until the butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Bring mixture to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly until lukewarm. Stir in baking soda.
3. 3
   Sift flour into a large bowl and make a well in the center. Pour the fruit mixture into the flour, and mix together until blended.
4. 4
   Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing surface with the back of a spoon. Bake in the preheated oven for 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and cool completely.