Best Fruit Cake Old Gourmet Magazine Recipes

THE FANNY FARMER DARK FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• Set oven to 325 degrees F.
• Butter two 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
• Line the pans with foil, then butter the foil.
• Cream the butter or shortening.
• Add in brown sugar; beat until light.
• Add in lemon extract and eggs and beat well.
• Stir in molasses and blend to combine.
• In a small bowl combine the flour with baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, mace, cloves and salt; beat into the creamed mixture until combined.
• Add in milk; beat until combined.
• Stir in the candied fruit, candied cherries, candied citron, dates or raisins and nuts; mix well.
• Transfer/divide the batter between the two pans.
• Bake for 1 to 1-1/4 hours or until the loaves test done.
• Turn out onto racks to cool.
• When completely cooled wrap well and store in an airtight container.
• BRANDIED FRUIT CAKE OPTION; soak two large pieces of cheesecloth in brandy.
• Wrap each fruit cake in the cheesecloth covering all sides, then wrap well in foil.
• Moisten the cheesecloth with additional brandy every few days for about a week.

RICH DARK FRUITCAKE 1970

Steps:

• Baking times and pan sizes-- 4 x 4 pan takes 1 1/2 hours 6 x 6 pan takes 3 hours 8 x 8 pan takes 4 1/2 hours Preheat oven 275 degrees F.
• Line cake pan set plus one extra with three layers brown greased paper.
• Grease sides next to the batter.
• Place a small dish of water in bottom of oven for steam and moisture.
• Test by touching finger in centre of cake, if no dent press harder.
• Cake should be firm to touch or slightly springy.
• Method: Prepare almonds, soak overnight in the orange juice.
• Prepare fruit, and soak overnight in the grape juice, sprinkle a little flour over the fruit.
• Next Day-- cream butter at room temperature but not too soft.
• Add white sugar gradually creaming until no grains are felt between fingertips.
• Beat in the beaten egg yolks.
• Blend well.
• ALL STEPS MUST BE FOLLOWED AS GIVEN TO PREVENT BUTTER FROM OOZING OUT DURING BAKING.
• Stir in the grape jelly and the melted cooled chocolate.
• Blend in the flour, and baking powder.
• Add the fruits in small amounts at a time, mixing well.
• Add almonds, and pecans.
• Fold in lastly the stiff beaten egg whites-- Pour into prepared pans and bake.