Queen Cakes (Makes 10-12)

110g (4oz) soft margarine

110g (4oz) caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling

2 eggs, beaten

110g (4oz) self-raising flour, sieved

A little milk, if necessary

60g (2oz) dried fruit

Preheat the oven to 180C/350ÅF/Gas Mark 4.

Grease a 12-hole bun or mini bundt tin.

Cream the margarine and sugar together.

Add the eggs a little at a time, beating well.

Fold the flour into the mixture with a little milk, if necessary, to give a soft dropping consistency. Add the fruit and mix well.

Place spoonfuls of the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake for 15-20 minutes until firm to the touch and golden brown. Turn out on a wire rack to cool and sprinkle with a little extra caster sugar.

Variations:

Use 60g (2oz) of washed, chopped glace cherries instead of the dried fruit, or replace 1 tablespoon of flour with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder.