Traditional Christmas Cake

Ingredients

• 2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons (9 ounces total) butter at room temperature
• 1-1/2 cups dark brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1-1/2 cups each currants, golden raisins, and dark raisins
• 1-1/3 cups soft dried figs, chopped
• 1-1/4 cups dates, pitted and chopped
• 1 cup chopped, stoned dried prunes
• 1-3/4 cups chopped dried apricots
• 3/4 cup blanched almonds, chopped
• 2/3 cup plus 4 tablespoons brandy
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso, mixed with 1 tablespoon water