the family fruitcake
How did fruitcake become a byword for twit?
I'd really like to know.
There is nothing stupid about a good slice of fruitcake. Perfect with a cup of tea. In fact, a small gathering of Reading Between the Wines members tonight polished it off with a selection of herbal tea, coffee and shiraz. It's the cake for every mood.
And THIS one. This one is Special.
This is an adaptation of my Mum's recipe the origin of which was Diabetes Australia Magazine I think, but I'm not sure.
It has no fat in it, and only the sugar from the fruit. So it's kind of a noble cake.
Plus, it's AWESOME.
Don't take my word for it, make it. Truly. It's so quick. And delicious.
Obviously it doesn't have the depth or the longevity of a good rich fruit cake (and rest assured there'll be one of those appearing here in the next four weeks) but did you see my earlier point about noble?
And awesome?
AWESOME FRUIT CAKE
Ingredients:
1kg dried fruit
1 cup pitted prunes, chopped
1 big teaspoon mixed spice
2 cups pear juice
2 cups self raising flour
Method:
Soak all the fruit and the spice in the juice for at least four hours, or overnight if you've timed it right.
Then stir through the flour.
Bake for approx 1 and three quarter hours at 150 degrees in a 20cm square pan (or a smaller pan for a higher cake. I know you don't need me to spell this out. You're smart.)
That's it.
Enjoy.
Mum's recipe calls for one and a half cups of prune juice and a quarter cup of orange juice, so you could always try that. I like pear. And I have multiple family members who are allergic to orange juice.
Next time I make this I'm adding nuts.
Because if you're going to be fruity you might as well go nuts.
Right?
xxx
Catherine
November 24, 2010 at 12:01 amReading Between the Wines?! This sounds amazing!
As does the cake – thank you; I won’t take your word for it, I’m going to try it out!
green ink
November 24, 2010 at 12:24 amMy friend Ash used to make this cake, with orange juice – I like the idea of pear though! It really is a delicious cake, and I prefer it to the buttery, sugar laden fruit cakes out there! Yummo.
Zar
November 24, 2010 at 5:48 amOh this looks yum… and yes, very “noble” – I am going to try this over the holidays – especially for my Mom, who is pre-diabetic – she’d really appreciate this. And I really do too for posting it to share. Thank you!!
Nicole
November 24, 2010 at 6:51 amI’m definitely going to make this one! I can’t be bothered with most fruit cakes that have an ingredients list as long as your arm and this sounds so easy. Can’t wait to try it out.
SB
November 24, 2010 at 12:35 pmThe title said “The family fruit cake” and I was sure I was going to see a photo of one of your nephews (although it might be hard to single one out). I always thought being a fruitcake meant a little silly in a comical kind of way.
yvette
November 25, 2010 at 11:51 pmoh get over yourself lovely – they do fit, just a bit snug that’s all. he’s not a slim chicken by any means and never has been. he’s a front rower, not a full back!
It’s constantly surprising to me, considering the genes but hey, what can you do??
and can you do the recipe for muesli slice sometime soon?
Christie - Childhood 101
November 26, 2010 at 11:32 pmI am definitely giving this a go. I love a good fruit cake 🙂
Christie - With Tears of Love
December 6, 2010 at 1:12 pmQuestion – is 160C fan forced?
innerpickle
December 6, 2010 at 1:47 pmYep, it is, Christie xx
innerpickle
December 12, 2010 at 9:49 pmRETRACT, RETRACT!!! I made this again and it’s NOT 160, it’s 150 degrees C and NOT 2 hours but a shade less. Have edited the recipe above accordingly (after I burnt this second one.) THIS is why you triple test recipes that you publish in a book!! Note to self!! (Can’t go back and edit this easily!!)
Lorna Reevell
February 24, 2011 at 9:52 amMight I suggest the next time you have fruitcake you try it with a slice of cheddar cheese or something similar on top of it. DeLiCiOuS!
(great reading btw, I found you via a comment at Soulemama)
I wasn’t going to comment, but couldn’t pass up sharing the ultimate way to eat fruitcake…
Lorna x