Fruit Cakes

[carnation037]

good/moist

Fruit Cakes

Part 1:
2 c. white raisins
2 c. coffee
Boil for 5 minutes.

1 tsp. baking soda
2 pkgs. chopped dates
Pour over part one and let cool.
Part 2:
2 c. brown sugar
1 c. shortening
2 egg yolks
1/2 c. dark molasses
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. apple cider or wine
3 c. sifted flour
Mix together.
Pour part 1 into part 2 and mix well.

Preheat oven to 300. Grease 5 bread loaf pans.
candied fruits:
1/2 lb. citron
1 lb. mixed fruit
6 slices yellow pineapple, cut up
3 slices each red, and green pineapple, cut up
1 lb. red cherries
1 lb. green cherries
1 lb. chopped nuts
(may use less cherries and a few more nuts, if desired)

Mix with parts 1 and 2.
2 stiffly beaten egg whites
Fold in the egg whites.
Pour into loaf pans and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until tester
comes out clean.Let cool in pans. Then remove from the pans and wrap
each in cheese cloth dipped in brandy or wine. Wrap in foil and store in
cool dark place.
Once a week or so, check that they are not drying out. Re dip the cheese
cloth and return to storage. If made 4 weeks before Christmas, will be
ready to give as gifts..
**Note: you are going to need a super large bowl for all these ingredients.