Christmas Fruit Cake

   As planned, I made my fruitcake on Saturday morning, although I never planned to be mixing the ingredients at 4:00 a.m. and having it in the oven by 4:30a.m. It was one of those nights when you are awake most of the night and finally give in and just get out of bed. Usually I read or knit when I can't sleep, but I figured why not bake the fruitcake. The oven warmed the kitchen on a -8 degree morning ( maybe I should have waited until this morning's -17 degrees) and the aroma of the spices, fruit and rum was nothing short of "intoxicating". I am including the recipe in my post, but you may want to make it at a more reasonable hour.
   Saturday night and Sunday's snowfall was absolutely magical to wake up to. At 14" on the ground I think the chickens and duck will be in their houses now because of the snow depth and not just the frigid temperatures. They have all adapted to staying in with the comfort of heat lamps. When I first started keeping them in during the cold days, they tried to push their way out every morning while I cleaned the coop and fed and watered them. Now they want no part of going outside into the deep freeze and snow. Egg production is high so obviously they are content with their winter arrangement. The sheep on the other hand, enjoy a romp through the snow as long as it is not zero or terribly windy out. They like the freedom of being able to come and go into the barn during the day.
   The Christmas baking and present wrapping continue this week. All the things that make the holidays so wonderful!

First time out making paths

George not to sure if he likes snow yet

 

Martha, twin brother George, and Francis playing in the snow

 



 

Christmas Fruitcake Recipe



 

1 cup shortening

1 1/2 cups sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 teaspoons cloves

1 teaspoon allspice

3 cups sifted flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup raisins

2/3 cup currants

1 lb. mixed fruitcake fruit

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 cup chopped dates

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups applesauce

1/4 cup rum

 

 

Cream shortening and sugar gradually with spices. Sift flour, salt, soda together. Dredge fruit and nuts with 1/2 cup of flour. Beat eggs until light and fluffy. Add alternately with remaining flour mixture,stirring until well blended. Stir in applesauce, fruit and nuts, and rum.

Bake in a well greased tube pan in a preheated 325 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours or until done.

Ready for oven

Ready to eat!