CHRISTMAS FRUITCAKE

CHRISTMAS FRUITCAKE
2 c. sifted all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 2/3 c. butter 1 c. sugar 3 eggs 1 tbsp. grated orange rind 2 tbsp. grated lemon rind 1/2 c. orange juice (can use pineapple juice or apricot nectar) 2 c. pecan halves 2 (8 oz.) jars chopped minced candied fruit 1 (6 1/2 oz.) jar red candied cherries, left whole 1 c. dried apricots, quartered 1 c. seedless raisins Sift together flour, baking powder and salt. Cream butter. Add sugar and cream well. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add grated fruit rinds. Add sifted dry ingredients, alternating with fruit juice; mix well. Stir in pecan halves and fruit.Pack into greased and paper lined 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf tin. Bake at 250 degrees for 3 hours until done. Cool. Remove from pan. Wrap cooled cake in foil to keep moist. Makes 1 fruitcake. cooks.com