Grease the cake tin to use for the cake, about (22cm or 9 in) If possible line with double parchment or wax proof paper. (to prevent burning when baking)
On the stove top in a large pot, add your raisins, currents, sultanas, dates, butter, condensed milk and water. Bring to a boil stirring now and again to prevent it from sticking. Let it simmer for 4 – 5 minutes.
Take of the stove and leave to cool, You can put the mixture into a large bowl to cool quicker, before adding flour mixture.
Preheat the oven to 170Deg. C (338 Deg. F)
While you wait for the mixture to cool. Sieve the flour and bi carb of soda and the salt in a bowl.
In a the large bowl with the cooled fruit mix, fold in the flour mixture and apricot jam or(orange marmalade) until totally all mixed up.
Spoon this mixture into the greased and double lined baking pans of choice. Cover with brown paper on top to prevent burning. Take of the brown paper half way so the top can cook.
Bake in the oven of 170 Deg. C for one hour and ten minutes. (1 hr 10 min)(all ovens differ so check the cake near the end to see if it has baked and adjust the time for you bake)
Check if the cake is cooked by inserting a clean knife or skewer in the middle. The cake should also be springy when touched.
Leave to cool on a cooler rack.
Notes
To keep the fruit cake wrap it in wax proof paper or parchment paper, leave for 2 – 3 days.
Or cut when cool enough to serve, if you can not wait to eat this delicious cake
all ovens are different so check cake near the end of the bake to see if it is already baked. It is the long time to bake.