Holiday Bourbon Fruitcake

Moist and tasty fruitcake is made with all types of candied fruit and nuts with a hint of orange and more than a hint of bourbon. It takes about three days to complete the process, but it is well worth the time and effort!

Step: 1

On the first day, combine the candied orange peel, candied citron, candied pineapple, red and green candied cherries, currants, raisins, walnuts, and almonds. Combine the orange juice and the 2/3 cup bourbon; pour over the fruit and nuts. Stir and then cover tightly. Let the fruit marinate in a cool place for 1 full day, or at least 20 hours.

Step: 2

On the second day, line two 9x5 inch loaf pans with parchment paper or aluminum foil and grease the inside with cooking spray. Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, ginger, cocoa, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and stir with a whisk to blend.

Step: 3

In a separate large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Stir in the egg yolks until blended and then mix in the applesauce, the 1/2 cup bourbon, and vanilla until fluffy. Continue stirring, and add the the flour mixture gradually until well combined. Add the molasses and stir to combine. When the batter is thoroughly mixed, gently mix in the fruit and nut mixture with all of its juices.

Step: 4

In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites with an electric mixer until they can hold a stiff peak. Fold egg whites into the batter. Divide evenly between the prepared pans. Cover loosely with a towel and let the batter stand overnight in a cool, dry place.

Step: 5

On the third day, preheat the oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C). Place a large baking pan on the bottom shelf and pour boiling water into it until almost full. Place a baking sheet on the center shelf and place the fruit cakes on the baking sheet.

Step: 6

Bake for 2 1/2 hours in the preheated oven. Check the water level and refill if needed. Cover the cakes with a sheet of parchment paper, taking care not to let it touch the shelf. Continue to bake until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour more. Cool fruitcakes in the pans, set over a wire rack. Once cool, remove the cakes from the pans, and leave the parchment paper on. Sprinkle with more bourbon if desired and wrap in aluminum foil. Place in a tin or other sealed container overnight before serving.

Per Serving: 422 calories; protein 5.1g; carbohydrates 64.9g; fat 14.9g; cholesterol 65.4mg; sodium 172.1mg.

Eat best breakfast to start the day had become a fabulous habit. It’s a great way to start my 24 hours off healthfully. The sweet hit from the pickle tree wakes me up and gives me power to make on the morning. Sugar is more vilified as the evil of all disease, but fruit is also loaded with fibre, which is best for your digestive system and helps keep you feel full longer, and less likely grab a snack out of the vending machine before break .

Making fruit a morning habit is simple . Easy as put the sweetness in your fridge next to the milk or on the bench next to your grain bowl , or beside your coffee maker or tea kettle — about anywhere where you’ll find it. Before you eating the rest of your breakfast , eat your fruit. If you’re not usually a breakfast person.