Desserts

Festive Fruitcake

(16 ½-inch slices per loaf)

2 1/2 cups candied fruits
1 cup dark raisins
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
¼ cup dark rum
1/2 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup margarine, softened
¼ cup sugar
1 teaspoon Sweet 'N Low® granulated sugar substitute
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon salt

In bowl, combine candied fruits, dark and golden raisins, apricots, and rum; set aside about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in almonds. Preheat oven to 300°F. In another bowl with mixer, cream margarine, sugar and Sweet 'N Low. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually stir in dry ingredients and fruit mixture. Divide batter between two loaf pans sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 1 hour and 45 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove and cool on wire racks.

Nutrients per slice:

Calories 155, Carbohydrate 27 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 5 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Sodium 90 mg.

Gift Idea

: Wrap fruitcake in colored cellophane; tie with decorative ribbon.