THIS CAKE IS A RICH, DARK, MOIST FRUIT CAKE, VERY FLAVORFUL AT CHRISTMAS. TRY ICING WITH ALMOND PASTE FOR A MORE FESTIVE TOUCH. THIS RECIPE IS STARTED IN OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER SO AS TO LET IT MELLOW BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS.
I remember very well my mother storing her fruit cake in an old butter churn that belonged to my grandmother and great grandmother. I wish that I had that old crock.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 (8 ounce) containers candied cherries
- 1 (8 ounce) container candied mixed citrus peel
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 cup dried currants
- 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
- 2 (2.25 ounce) packages blanched slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 6 eggs
- 3/4 cup molasses
- 3/4 cup apple juice
