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1
Preheat the oven to 275 or 300 degrees.
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2
Chop the nuts and fruits (grind the dates and figs--they're very sticky) and combine them in a bowl.
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3
Add the brandy, jam and spices; mix well.
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4
Cream the butter, add the sugar, molasses and beaten eggs; mix thoroughly.
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5
Add the flour and salt and mix to a batter consistency.
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6
Pour over the fruit mixture and stir to combine. A little more flour may be needed, or a little more brandy. What dough there is should be fairly stiff, not runny.
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7
Grease pans well, then line with heavy waxed or parchment paper.
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8
Fill the pans three fourths full and bake until a straw comes out clean (probably from 2 to 3 hours, depending on sizes). Have a pan of hot water in the bottom of the oven for moisture during baking.
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9
When done, turn out the cakes onto racks to cool.
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10
Pour a little brandy slowly over the top of each one.
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11
In 15 minutes, invert onto waxed paper, remove the baking paper and pour more brandy slowly over each cake. This must be done gradually, but a warm cake absorbs the liquid much better than a cold one.
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12
When completely cool, wrap the cakes well and store in airtight containers for at least 1 month before slicing. Yields about 17 pounds of fruitcake.