Steamed Fruit Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Butter a 2lb/8x4- inch loaf tin, including the sides.
2. 2
   In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream butter and icing sugar until white. Add the eggs and beat well, until incorporated.
3. 3
   Sift flour into another bowl. Add mixed fruits, cream of tartar and baking soda to the sifted flour. Combine.
4. 4
   Add the flour mixture into the butter mixture bit by bit, beating after each addition, then add orange essence. Beat until just incorporated.
5. 5
   In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stir the granulated sugar constantly with a wooden spatula until it becomes a thick brown liquid, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and, stirring constantly but not vigorously to prevent it from hardening, pour into the batter. It will still be warm.
6. 6
   Stir well by hand with a spatula. Pour into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the batter.
7. 7
   Steam for about 1 hour over medium heat until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.