Preheat oven to 150°C.Grease and line a 27cm x 11cm loaf tin with non-stick baking paper. 

Put the nuts, fruit and zest into a large bowl.  Sift the flour, baking powder, spice and salt over the fruit.  Add the sugar and mix well.

Beat together the eggs, vanilla and brandy, then stir into the mixture.  Spoon into the tin and bake for 1½ -1¾ hours, until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.  Leave to cool completely.

To assemble your gift wrap in waxed paper or clear cellophane and tie with a bow.  Keeps in an airtight box for up to three weeks.