Christmas Cake I

Description
This recipe dates from the first quarter of last century. I make just half of this recipe and I put in a very small teaspoon of soda.

Ingredients

 * 1½ cups good butter
 * 1¾ cups brown sugar
 * 16 eggs
 * 4 lbs raisins
 * 4 lbs currants
 * 1 lbs mixed peel cut fine
 * 2 lbs flour
 * 1 lbs almonds, blanched cut fine
 * 2 nutmeg, grated same of mace
 * ½ pint brandy
 * 1 tbsp lemon essence

Directions

 * 1) Cream butter and sugar well, add the beaten yolks, then the stiffly beaten egg whites.
 * 2) Put all fruits and nuts together, rub with some of the 2 pounds of flour.
 * 3) Beat well, then add nuts and brandy.
 * 4) Bake slowly.