Fruit Cake for Non-Fruitcake Lovers

Ingredients:

• 1 pound soft butter, creamed together with 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 6 eggs
• 1 ounce brandy flavoring
• 4 cups plain flour
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 pounds chopped pecans
• 3/4 pound candied, chunked pineapple
• 3/4 pound candied cherries, cut in quarters
• 1 pound white raisins

Decorations:

• Candied green and red cherries for forming a holly and leaf design

Glaze:

• Light Karo syrup (apply approximately 30 minutes before the cake is done)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Cream Mixture:
   • Cream together 1 pound of soft butter with 2 1/4 cups of sugar.
   • Incorporate 6 eggs and 1 ounce of brandy flavoring into the creamed mixture.
2. Sift and Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually introduce the sifted dry ingredients (4 cups plain flour, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt) to the creamed mixture.
3. Blend in Fruits and Nuts:
   • Combine 1 1/2 pounds of chopped pecans, 3/4 pound of candied, chunked pineapple, 3/4 pound of candied cherries (cut in quarters), and 1 pound of white raisins.
   • Gradually add the fruit and nut mixture to the cake batter, blending thoroughly.
4. Prepare Cake Pan:
   • Coat a large tube cake pan with grease and flour.
5. Fill Pan with Fruit Batter:
   • Pour the fruit batter into the prepared pan.
6. Top with Decorations:
   • Arrange candied green and red cherries on top to form a holly and leaf design in three clusters.
7. Glaze with Light Karo Syrup:
   • Apply a glaze of light Karo syrup approximately 30 minutes before the cake is expected to be done.
8. Baking:
   • Bake for 3 hours at 275°F.
9. Check for Doneness:
   • Ensure the cake is fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the center.
10. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack.
    • Once cooled, slice and serve.

Note: This fruit cake offers a delightful twist for those who usually shy away from traditional fruitcakes. The combination of pecans, pineapple, cherries, and raisins creates a rich and flavorful treat. Enjoy!