Fruitcake

• 3 cups chopped peeled tart apples (about 2 large)


• 2 cups sugar


• 1/2 cup apple juice


• 3 eggs


• 3/4 cup vegetable oil


• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® pure vanilla extract


• 3 cups all-purpose flour


• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice


• 1 teaspoon baking soda


• 1 teaspoon salt


• 2 cups coarsely chopped pecans


• 1/2 pound candied red cherries, halved


• 1/2 pound candied green cherries, halved


• 1/2 pound diced candied pineapple

Line three 9-in. x 5-in. loaf pans with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. In a large bowl, combine apples, sugar and apple juice; let stand for 15 minutes. In a bowl, combine the eggs, oil and vanilla. Add to apple mixture; mix well. Combine the flour, apple pie spice, baking soda and salt; add to apple mixture and mix well. Fold in pecans, cherries and pineapple. Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Remove waxed paper. Cool completely. Yield: 3 loaves.

Editor's Note: Fruitcakes may be baked in eight 5-3/4-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans; bake for 40-45 minutes.