The omission of good is no less reprehensible than the commission of evil...

Nutty Fruitcake

* 1 cup candied red cherries, coarsely chopped
* 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
* 1/2 cup golden raisins
* 6 Tbsp. butter, softened
* 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3 eggs
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1/2 tsp. almond extract
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1/2 tsp. baking powder
* 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
* 3/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
* 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Lightly coat a 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. Line bottom of pan with parchment or waxed paper; set aside. In bowl combine cherries, apricots, raisins; set aside.

2. In large mixing bowl beat butter and both sugars with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined. Beat in orange juice and almond extract. Add flour, baking powder, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Beat until just combined. Stir in fruit mixture, walnuts, and pecans. Spoon into prepared pan. Sprinkle with almonds.

3. Bake for 1-1/2 hours, or until wooden toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on rack. Wrap and store 8 hours or overnight before serving. Makes 16 servings.


*Would Plutarch have eaten Nutty Fruitcake?