Line and grease an 18 cm/7 inch square cake tin.
Sift the flour, spices and soda into a mixing bowl.
Put the fat, treacle, syrup and sugar into a
saucepan and heat gently. Cool slightly then add to
the dry ingredients with the milk and
eggs
and mix thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into the
prepared tin and sprinkle with the almonds. Bake in
a preheated oven, 160°C (325°F), Gas Mark 3, for 1
1/2-2 hours, or until a skewer inserted into
the centre comes out clean.
Leave in the tin for 15
minutes, then turn on to a wire rack to cool. Store
in an airtight tin for some days before eating to
improve the texture.