A Fruit Cake That Will Actually Get Eaten

People like fruit, and people like cake, but put those two words together and it usually causes a gag reflex.

So I don't call my concoction "fruit cake", I call it "Fruit Basket Brandy Bread."

It will function as a door stop, but it will most likely get spared that fate, and actually get eaten. This recipe makes very nice muffins too.

I actually put this together to get rid of Thanksgiving leftovers . . . some whole cranberry sauce, and small pears and apples that are really, really ripe now. I also added some crushed pineapple, and dried cranberries to the recipe. You can add just about anything. Here is the basic recipe -

1 large egg

1/2 cup milk or yogurt (sour cream would probably work too)

1/4 cup melted butter or margarine

1 1/2 cup flour

2/3 cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 brown sugar (for topping)

So mix everything but the brown sugar - this is to sprinkle on top. The dough will be very thick, so add 1/8 to a 1/4 cup of brandy. Now start adding fruit. I had 1/4 cup crushed pineapple in juice, and 1/4 cup cranberry sauce. This was enough fruit in liquid to get the dough/batter to just the right consistency. I then chopped a couple of small pears, and small apples, about 1/2 cup of each. Then I threw in about 1/4 cup dried cranberries.

Stir everything by hand, and either spoon into greased muffin tins, or line with paper cups. This also makes a nice loaf, so if you choose pour into a greased loaf pan. Sprinkle the brown sugar on top, and bake 15 minutes for muffins, or 30 minutes for the loaf, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool, and serve to your guests. Just don't call it Fruit Cake.