Ingredients

1 lb. raisins, seedless
1 lb. currant
1 lb. dates, chopped
2 lbs. candied fruit
1 lb. walnuts, shelled and chopped
6 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbs. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves, ground
2 C. shortening
2 C. brown sugar
6 lg. eggs
1 C. molasses, dark
1 C. coffee, brewed strong and cooled
2 Tbs. vanilla extract

Directions

Mix all dry ingredients (flour, spices, and fruits and nuts) together in a very large bowl. Mix all soft or liquid ingredients together thoroughly then add to lg. Bowl, mixing well by hand. (This will give you an upper-body workout!)

Prepare 4 bread pans (standard size) by lining them thoroughly with brown wrapping paper or a cut-up brown grocery bag. Pour this thick and chunky batter into each of the loaf pans, filling 2/3 full.

Bake for 2 hours at 250-300 degrees.

Remove from oven and let cool. When thoroughly cool, remove from pans and carefully remove the brown paper which is adhered to the fruitcake. Wrap in waxed paper and let set. Serve during the Holidays.

Preparation Time

20  minutes

Cooking Time

2  hours