Monday, December 8, 2014

English Dried Fruit Cake


Fruitcake, Fruitcake, Fruitcake!  That word elicits so many interesting facial responses.  

Confusion- as in why in the world are you making that? (My dear sons response)  He hates apples, who in the world hates apples??!!

Disgust- who in the world is going to eat that?  (Uh huh, this was my husbands response)

Mild interest- wow, you actually know how to make that?

Smiles- wow, can I have some? This would usually be followed by "don't tell anyone I like fruit cake, OK?" ;)  

Why the shame??  I love fruit cake.

As you may have noticed, this isn't any old ordinary fruitcake.  No siree, no candied fruit here.  This is more like a cake with fruit; even better, it's dried fruit reconstituted and fresh apples.  For some, nuts are optional, but not for me.  I not only included nuts, but two types: Walnuts & Pecans.  Like all relationships, these two together provide a level of complexity unattainable by themselves!  
Plus, it allows me to make a teeny tiny dent in the 10lb bag of walnuts in the background below.  :)


These are the best darn walnuts I've ever tasted.  They're grown locally here in Northern California and  I can't get enough of them.  Seriously!






Once again, Rose has provided a well-written, precise and tasty recipe.  You won't find any major surprises, nor will you feel any anxiety.  It's filled with a plethora of ingredients, but nothing the average baker won't find in their cupboard.  She suggests a few types of dried fruit, but it's really up to you and your palette.  



I chose apples, apricots, peaches, pears, and cherries.  When I make this again, I will eliminate the dried apples, as the fresh apple is enough.  I would suggest more apricots or peaches.







Combining ingredients was quite easy.  So easy in fact, a mixer wasn't required!


A variety of pans can be used, square, round, rectangle, whatever your heart desires!   Just remember to adjust the baking time.  I chose a 10X10 pan to allow for a slightly thicker cake.  This allowed me to cut circles with a large cookie cutter, for a slightly different presentation.   


And don't forget the Rum!!  Well, you can if you want to, but who eats fruit cake without Rum??  Isn't that part of the fun...


In case you're wondering, I chose to add a caramelized apple garnish on top.

In the end, I talked both my guys into tasting the cake.  I kind of omitted the fact that apples were in the cake when my son asked "what's in it".  Regardless, his 7 year old palette just didn't tolerate fruit cake.  :(  On the other hand, my husband seems to like it, well maybe mildly, but beggars can't be choosers, right??   I'll take it.  

Nonetheless, I really like this cake and added a little extra rum, since it looks like I'll be the only one eating it!














15 comments:

  1. I love your garnish! And two nuts, how lucky to have fresh local walnuts! I'm looking forward to sharing this adventure with you. :-)

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    1. I feel truly lucky to have so many fresh ingredients available to me

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  2. I was thinking the same thing as Lois - lucky you to have fresh walnuts. I'm told they're something special.

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  3. I love your caramelized apple garnish. Great idea!

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  4. Fantastic presentation. Your garnish is really something special.

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  5. Your "mini" cake looks great. Love the garnish on top.

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  6. Looks amazing! Lucky you to have 10lbs of walnuts... True joy. Welcome to the group.

    Nicola

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    1. I did receive some strange looks from others walking around the farmer's market, but I was so excited, it didn't matter! :)

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  7. Replies
    1. Thank you so much Rose! Your recipes are so well tested and precise, rather than stressing over how to do the recipe, I find myself with more time to think about how I'd like to present it! I love being a part of this group.

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  8. ב''ה

    Looks great. Like something they would put in front of you in a fancy restaurant. De-constructed fruit cake anyone?

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  9. Wow! I like how you put all your ingredients so nicely on plates!

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  10. hello Jill like your post and your presentation picture is pretty too and also your step by step is nice I'm one of the new girls in the bake along click http://maggiggie55.blogspot.ca/?m=1

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  11. Jill: Great post and beautiful pictures! My family's response to "fruitcake" was much the same. So glad to be baking along with you. Please visit me at www.artfuloven.com GIVEAWAY THIS WEEK!

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