DARK CHRISTMAS FRUIT CAKE
Ingredients :
1 cup of currants
3 cups of light or dark raisins
1/2 cup of dried preserved orange peel
1/2 cup of diced preserved lemon peel
1 1/2 cup of diced preserved citron
1 cup of halved candied cherries
1 cup of diced preserved pineapple
1 cup of pecan halves
1 cup of blanched almonds, cut lengthwise
1 teaspoon of nutmeg
1 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
1 cup of shortening, softened
6 eggs, separated
1/2 square of unsweetened chocolate, melted
1/4 cup of fresh, frozen or canned lemon juice
1/4 cup of orange juice
2 cups of sifted all purpose flour
Method :
Thoroughly grease 3" to 4" deep 10" tube pan.
Cut heavy waxed paper to fit bottom and sides of pan.
Line pan with waxed paper (be sure paper fits snugly) and lightly grease paper.
Or use aluminum foil without greasing.
In large bowl, thoroughly mix currants, raisins, peels, citron, cherries, pineapple and nuts with 1 cup flour until all are coated with flour.
Start heating oven to 300 degrees.
Sift remaining 1 cup flour with spices and soda.
In large electric mixer bowl, with mixer at medium speed, or cream blend shortening with sugar until light and fluffy.
Add egg yolks one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
Add melted chocolate.
At low speed or blend, beat in alternately, just until smooth, flour mixture and fruit juices. When mixture is thoroughly blended, stir by hand into fruit mixture.
Beat egg whites until stiff; fold into cake mixture.
Turn into tube pan.
Bake 2 hours and 20 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool completely in pan; Remove paper; Store to mellow.
