No Bake Fruitcake

Fruitcake is one of those things that you either really like or really hate....there is no middle ground. That is why there are so many fruitcake jokes around. This recipe has a different spin, in that you don't bake it....but it's very good.

Ingredients:

1 can (5 oz) evaporated milk
1/3 cup orange juice
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 pkg. (13 & 1/2 oz) graham cracker crumbs (about 4 cups)
1 cup raisins
1 cup mixed candied fruit, chopped
1 cup walnuts, chopped
3/4 cup dates, chopped
1/4 cup candied cherries, halved
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves

Directions:

1. Line 9" X 5" x 3" loaf pan with waxed paper, then coat the wax paper with non stick spray...then set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine milk and orange juice. Add the marshmallows, cook and stir until the marshmallows are melted and mixture is smooth.
3. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pat into prepared loaf pan, cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

***makes 1 loaf

Easy Miniature Fruit Cakes

Either you are a fruitcake fan or your not...there's no middle ground. This recipe is not very complicated at all, and it tastes great.

Ingredients:

1 cup sugar
1 cup self rising flour
1 & 1/2 pkg (8 ounces) dates, chopped
8 ounces candied cherries, chopped
4 cup chopped pecans
3 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees...grease miniature muffin tins (I like to use mini paper liners instead)
2. Blend sugar and flour, then add dates, cherries and pecans.
3. Beat eggs until foamy, then add to sugar mixture.
4. Pour batter into tins (or paper liners) using 1 tablespoon for each.
5. Bake 10 to 20 minutes.
6. Cool

***makes 5 to 7 dozen