Fruitcake Drops Food

FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 225 degrees F (110 degrees C). Grease and flour a tube pan.
• In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, soda, spices, eggs, lemon rind, vanilla, 1/2 cup brandy, fruit, nuts, and melted butter or margarine. Mix thoroughly. Pour into prepared pan.
• Bake for 1 hour, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
• Wrap cooled cake in foil. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons brandy over the cake everyday for 2 weeks.

FRUITCAKE DROPS

Steps:

• Measure golden raisins, currants, candied fruit, pecans and 1/2 cup flour into bowl. Stir well to coat. Set aside.
• Cream butter and sugar together. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add vanilla and brandy flavoring.
• Stir 1 cup flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together and add.
• Mix in fruit. Drop by spoonfuls onto greased baking sheet.
• Bake in 325 F oven for 15-20 minutes.

FRUITCAKE BROWNIE DROPS

Steps:

• Combine the brandy, rum and dried fruit in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until hot, 1 to 2 minutes; let stand 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, melt the butter, unsweetened chocolate and chocolate chips in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring, until smooth; let cool 10 minutes. Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.
• Mix the eggs, granulated sugar and vanilla in a large bowl using a wooden spoon. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture. Add the flour mixture and stir vigorously until incorporated. Stir in the soaked dried fruit and liquid. Cover and refrigerate until the dough is slightly firm, about 1 hour.
• Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough about 2 inches apart onto 2 ungreased baking sheets. Bake, switching the position of the pans halfway through, until slightly puffed and set on top, about 14 minutes. Let cool 5 minutes on the baking sheets, then transfer to racks to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar.
• The way you measure flour can make a big difference in your cookies: Spoon into measuring cups, then level with a knife. Do not pack.

FRUITCAKE BARS

Steps:

• In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla. Add flour and walnuts; mix well. Spread evenly into a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Sprinkle with pineapple, cherries and dates; press lightly into dough. , Bake at 325° for 45-50 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars.