GRANDMA'S FRUIT CAKE

GRANDMA'S FRUIT CAKE image

Yield 20 loaves

Number Of Ingredients 21

4 8oz packages chopped dates
1 box seedless raisins
1 box white raisins
1 box currants (optional)
2 sticks butter
3 cups brown sugar
2 1/2 cups hot water
4 eggs, beaten
4 pounds mixed candied fruit
1 4oz package candied citron
1 4oz package candied orange peel
1 4oz package candied lemon peel
1 4oz package candied pineapple
1 cup pecans
1 cup English walnuts (optional)
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
3 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

Mix first seven (7) ingredients and bring to a boil for three minutes. Cool and let stand overnight. Add eggs, candied fruit and nuts. Combine dry ingredients and gradually add to the fruit mixture, mixing thoroughly. Line 4-6 loaf pans with well-greased wax paper. Pour batter into pans 3/4 full. Bake for 1 hour at 300 then turn the temperature down to 275 for another 2 hours. When toothpick comes out sticky, loaves are done. Can be wrapped in a rum-soaked cheesecloth and aluminum foil and aged two weeks.