This delicious afternoon cake is best served with a hunk of cheese and a hot cup of tea.
Preheat the oven to 150C/300F/Gas 2. Grease and double-line a 20cm/8in loose-based deep cake tin with greaseproof paper.
Beat the butter and sugar in a food processor for 3-4 minutes, or until very light and fluffy.
Add the marmalade and mix for a few seconds more. Slowly add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the flour, almonds and spices to the batter. Mix slowly until well combined, then stir in the mixed dried fruit and cherries with a large metal spoon. Add the whisky or milk and mix until well combined.
Spoon the mixture into the cake tin, smooth the surface and carefully arrange the blanched almonds in circles on top.
Bake for 1½-2 hours, or until well risen, firm and golden-brown. (Test the cake by inserting a skewer into the centre. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done.)
Leave the cake to cool for 10 minutes then remove from the tin, peel off the lining paper and set aside to cool on a wire rack. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Store in a cake tin and eat within 4-5 days.
