Sunday, December 17, 2006

The Dreaded Fruitcake,Think Again!





Some time ago, I read a humorous article on fruitcakes. I read there were actually four Wisemen bearing gifts, however, the fourth Wiseman was ask to remain at home-he wanted to bring a fruitcake. Everyone relates to the fruitcake as "the gift that keeps on giving"....Actually, you can send me one anytime you feel like tossing it into a snowbank! I enjoy eating homemade fruitcakes.....what a difference there is between the cakes bought in the grocery, mail ordered and the fruitcakes made by your favorite aunt or next door neighbor.
Last weekend I was one of four judges invited to Historic Port Gamble, Washington, to judge the towns Third Annual Fruitcake Contest. These cakes are truly special occassion cakes and many that we judged were recipes based on origins of tradition-they melted in your mouth! I could hardly wait to taste each cake as a slice was delicately passed in front of me.
For those of us who truly cultivate the art of eating fruitcakes, this was hard work! We were judging thirteen cakes this year, and hopefully more next year. One might not expect it to take the better part of the afternoon, but we finally turned in our results two hours later. As the decision to find the perfect fruitcake drew to a close, I noticed several participants looking through the window anticipating the results. They all deserved a medal this year as there were no dreaded fruitcakes to judge this day.

10 comments:

K and S said...

Growing up I didn't like the taste of fruitcake--maybe because all of that rum/brandy? Now, I enjoy it all those candied fruits and nuts. I loved your sausage pie, it looked really good and a meal in one dish!

Anonymous said...

That must be exactly why I love fruit cake. I'm with you Jann, you can send me fruit cake anyday.
Love the picture of the holiday bike- where was it taken?

wheresmymind said...

I'm still in therapy over the gross fruitcakes I had when I was younger

Unknown said...

I've only had a few bad fruitcakes, but I am sure I've made a few.

I'm curious: What did you wash it down with? I've enjoyed it paired with red wine, something dry to balance the sweetness of the cake.

Jann said...

This event took place in Port Gamble,Washington.Take the ferry in from Seattle, half hour ride and you are there! The town has a large craft fair going on at the same time.It is a wonderful spot to visit and history buffs would thoroughly enjoy this area!

Christine said...

I love the photo of the red bike, Jann. Great post too. Because I can't stand candied fruit, I used to make fruitcakes using mincemeat as a base. I know it sounds weird, but it worked for me. I'll have to find that recipe... :))

Anonymous said...

Would you believe that I've never tasted a fruitcake? I've heard so many awful things about them that I've just avoided them. Who knew that there are actually tasty ones out there!

I love the picture of the bike as well. That's very cool!

Dianka said...

How fun does that sound?! I'd love to participate in something like that!

Anonymous said...

I love fruitcake...but I'm weird :)

Katie said...

Yah, me too. I love all fruitcake....except for the way it sticks to "me 'ips"