If the thought of fruitcake makes you cringe, like it always did for me, try
this one...no little citron pieces to ruin the great flavor of fruit and nuts.
1 cup raisins
1 cup maraschino cherries
1 cup cut-up pitted dates
1 cup sliced almonds
2 cups walnut pieces
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
3 eggs
1/4 cup light rum
1 teaspoon vanilla
Lightly grease and flour a 9X5X3 nonstick loaf pan (or three small pans). Line with waxed
paper and grease the paper. Mix fruits and nuts in a large mixing bowl. Sift flour, baking
soda, baking powder, salt and sugar over mixture; toss to coat all fruits and and nuts with
flour.
Beat eggs until foamy, then add vanilla and rum. Pour over fruit mixture and stir just until
blended. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 300 degree oven about 1 1/4 hours
(adjust time if using smaller pans). Test for doneness and remove from pan and cool on wire
rack.