Once upon a time in England there was a pinch of salt. Just a pinch, mind. This will only take you a minute. Grease and flour a 7-inch cake tin. As one thing that never changes is the magic of the kitchen. When you were a little child you used to tread on my apron, but one day I fear you will tread on my heart. So now you must sift the flour, the mixed spice, and the pinch of salt together. Stand still as a statue, with my heart on your foot, with my heart on your foot. And now we come to the fruits. 30g of currants Just about 30g of chopped dates 15g of mixed peel 25g (or less if you’d rather) of glace cherries And if any of the elves and seabirds are there, don’t leave them out. Let them come and do stirring and wishing as well. It’s part of the magic of the kitchen. Pour the tea into a saucepan, and add the cooking fat and sugar. Spoon into the tin, and bake in the middle of a moderate oven. I’m sure you’ll agree a cake leaves your guests feeling happy forever after, with their hearts from your foot to the sun, with their hearts from your foot to the sun.