By Michelle Heimburger Fri, December 25, 2009, 12:01 am PST

Do these colors even occur in nature? (Photo by Brent Moore) Poor fruitcakes! Once considered decadent winter delicacies, they have become the butt of cruel jokes about doorstops and paperweights. Critics mock their famous longevity and density. Each year countless unappreciated loaves are even regifted or viciously tossed away. Some speculate that the endless ridicule of comedians is to blame for the fruitcake's brick-like fall from grace, but many suspect a decline in the quality of the cakes themselves. For hundreds of years, fruitcakes were tasty concoctions packed full of rich dried fruits, nuts, and spices -- and an important (and liberal) dose of brandy or whisky. Mass-produced commercial versions left out the booze and the spices and replaced the dried fruit with a candied variety -- super-sweetened bits of garish and artificial goo. Sadly, most fruitcakes that modern consumers encounter are sad, dry, teetotal bricks containing nothing that still resembles actual fruit. Luckily for lovers of holiday desserts, brave chefs are reinventing fruitcake for the 21st century with innovative (and more natural) ingredients and presentation. That's right: Fruitcake is making a comeback -- and this time, it's edible! This year, if you're offered a slice and it looks dark and moist and rich -- not pale and dry and artificial -- overcome your fruitcake fears and try a bite! You might be pleasantly surprised... and if you still hate it, at least you'll have new fodder for fruitcake jokes. Suggested Sites... Christmas Recipe Index: Fruitcakes - a variety of fruity, tantalizing treats. About.com: Fruitcakes - recipes and tips for making fruitcakes that are not just palatable, but delicious. cdkitchen: Fruitcake Recipes - features both traditional and unusual recipes, including beer fruitcake and sourdough fruitcake. Recipes for Christmas Cakes - with or without fruit, these confections will put some cheer into the holiday season. Society for the Protection and Preservation of Fruitcake - learn to love the fruitcake.

Directory categories: Fruitcake Recipes, Fruticakes for Sale, Christmas Dessert Recipes, Christmas Recipes, Cake Recipes

Archived under: Christmas, Cooking, Flops, Food and Drink, Fruitcake, Holidays, Recipes

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