Some comedians joke about regifting these but Christmas fruitcake giving is a time honored tradition. When properly prepared and aged fruitcake is really a tantalizing treat. Sometimes brandy or rum soaked cakes are aged for years.
This is a very old tradition going back to an English tradition that predates Christmas. There was even a version of it baked by the ancient Romans. Although the ingredients were very different they were still forms of fruit, nuts and grain. There are many different recipes for this very traditional holiday gift.
Christmas fruitcake giving is such a standard part of the history of the holiday season that it has become the subject of many jokes. This unfortunate turn of events is probably due to two problems with fruitcakes. The first is that many companies mass produce poor quality cakes which bear no resemblance to the traditional home made gift. The second problem is that Americans are basically addicted to chocolate and anyone who wastes their time with other flavors might be eating Christmas dinner in the dog house.
It is, in other words, an acquired taste. Start with the best quality fruitcakes for the introduction to this historic favorite. When they are properly prepared they are moist and very fragrant. Some recipes involve wrapping the cakes in marzipan and royal icing. Then the cakes are decorated. They are really wonderful but don't expect much from the drug store variety. Holidays are special and the cost of better ingredients is going to be higher. Just the difference in the type of rum can make a huge difference in quality.
For the sophisticated gourmand on the shopping list there is a good bet that Christmas fruitcake giving of a high quality product is a safe starting point. Use a nice gift basket with good teas to make a nicer presentation..
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