To two pounds of flour well sifted unite Of loaf-sugar ounces sixteen; Two pounds of fresh butter, with eighteen fine eggs, And four pounds of currants washed clean; Eight ounces of almonds well blanched and cut small, The same weight of citron sliced; Of orange and lemon-peel candied one pound, And a gill of pale brandy uniced; A large nutmeg grated; exact half an ounce Of allspice, but only a quarter Of mace, coriander, and ginger well ground, Or pounded to dust in a mortar. An important addition is cinnamon, which is better increased than diminished; The fourth of an ounce is sufficient. Now this .  . . May be baked four good hours till finished.