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["Use a pair of scissors to chop the larger raisins and the apricots.", "Spraying the scissors with vegetable spray will prevent sticking.", "Soak the raisins, apricots, and citrus peel in the brandy or liqueur of choice overnight or for several days.", "Soaking the fruit makes the fruit plump and sticky but moist, sticky, glaced fruit is a must for fruitcakes.", "Before mixing, make sure all your ingredients are room temperature.", "Oven to 275 degrees F.", "Generously butter or spray with vegetable spray a 10"" bundt pan.", "In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until pale.", "Add the cream, then the eggs, one at a time, mixing well and scraping down the sides of the bowl after each addition.", "It may appear curdled- that's okay.", "Blend 2 cups of the flour with the baking powder and slowly mix into the creamed mixture.", "Add the almond and vanilla extracts and mix to combine.", "Toss the fruit and nuts with the remaining 1/4 cup of flour.", "Use a large wooden spoon or a rubber spatula to fold in the floured fruit and nuts.", "Spoon the batter into the pan, filling 2/3 full, and spreading out even in the pan.", "Tap the pan on the counter to eliminate air bubbles in the batter.", "Place the cake in the center of the oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes.", "Use a skewer to test the thickest part of the cake.", "The skewer should be dry and clean- if it is sticky or tacky, the cake is not done.", "Remove the cake to a baking rack to cool.", "Cool just until warm, then brush the surface with the cornsyrup.", "Unmold the cake when completely cool.", "Brush with more apricot brandy, if desired.", "Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap and then in foil to retain moisture.", "It is ready to eat in 24 hours.", "It may also be refrigerated and eaten within a few weeks."]
