Traditional Fruitcakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 ml) mixed candied fruit
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) red candied cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) dried dates, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) raisins
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) pecan halves
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) blanched (or not) almonds
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (125 ml) brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (250 ml) Brandy or Grand Marnier, approximately