The origin of National Fruitcake Day are as mysterious as the origin of the fruitcake, which is believed to call Rome as the birthplace, according to National Day Calendar. However, we do know a few fun facts that surround this heavy fruit and nut laden tradition.
Fun Fact 1: Claxton, Ga. claims to be the Fruitcake Capital of the World, with their bakeries around town producing more than 4 million pounds of fruitcake a year, according to How Stuff Works.
Fun Fact 2: Unmarried wedding guests in the 1800s placed a slice of fruitcake under their pillow at night to induce dreams of the person they would marry.
Fun Fact 3: An average 33 percent of fruitcakes given are then re-gifted, Punch Bowl notes.
The recipes vary and are more suited to taste. We found this delightful recipe from All Recipes titled "Mom's Best Fruitcake" and tested the "best" claim. For fruitcake people, it's a contender for sure.
Ingredients:
1 pound brazil nuts
1 pound pitted dates
3/4 cup candied cherries
1 pound candied pineapple
3/4 sifted all-purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 / 2 teaspoon baking powder
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Line two small loaf pans with parchment or wax paper.
2. Combine Brazil nuts, dates, cherries and pineapple in a large bowl. Sift the flour, sugar, salt and baking powder over the fruit and nus. Mix well.
3. Combine eggs and vanilla in a small bowl; beat until foamy. Pour over fruit mixture and mix well. Spoon batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 1.5 hours, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.
We chose a delicious fruitcake recipe sans any alcohol for a family friendly recipe. If you prefer the alcohol laden one, pour 1/4 cup brandy over the warm cake so that it settles in. Enjoy!
