(photo by Geneome) Poor fruitcakes. Once considered winter delicacies, they have become the butt of cruel jokes about doorstops and paperweights. Critics mock their longevity and density, and each year countless cakes are re-gifted or tossed away. Some speculate that the endless ridicule of comedians is to blame for the fruitcake's brick-like fall from grace, but others suspect a decline in the quality of the cakes themselves. For hundreds of years, fruitcakes were tasty concoctions of dried fruit, nuts, and spices -- and often a 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. But now, hip chefs are reinventing fruitcake for the 21st century with innovative (and more natural) ingredients and presentation. Fruitcake is making a comeback -- and this time, it's edible. Suggested Sites... About.com: Fruitcakes - recipes and tips for making fruitcakes that are palatable and delicious. Christmas Recipe Index: Fruitcakes - a variety of fruity, tantalizing treats. Society for the Protection and Preservation of Fruitcake - learn to love the fruitcake.

Directory categories: Fruitcake Recipes, Fruitcakes for Sale, Christmas Dessert Recipes

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

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