The Most Amazing Fruit Cake!

   I decided to make fruit cake this year.  I had heard mostly bad things about it (having never tried it-or if I have, it has been too long to remember) and was determined to decide for myself.  And...it was a huge success! We couldn't get enough! :D


  So I started the day before by preparing for the next day:


Blend:


* 3 c. freshly-ground kamut, spelt or wheat flour

Mi

* 2 c. yogurt


Leave for 24 hours and it will rise beautifully when it bakes.


Combine 4 c. dried fruit (organic if possible)( I used dried cranberries, dried apples, dried apricots, raisins and dried dates) Other options would be cherries, pineapple, pears and peaches)
with 1 c. dark rum and 1 c. water (adjust as you need to)


The next day:


To the dough add:


3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tsp. sea salt
2 tsp. baking soda
1/4-1/2 c. honey or maple syrup
1/4 c. melted butter
(opt) 2 c. any nuts you like


1. Drain fruit, reserving rum liquid.
2. Mix everything together well.
3. Pour into buttered pan.
4. Bake 400 degrees for 30 minutes.  It might need a little extra at 350 (covered with foil) for 20 more minutes.
5. When cool, brush cake with 2 tablespoon of rum/fruity mix.
6. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Finished!

7. Store at least 2 days before serving. For storing longer, baste cake once a week with 1 tablespoon rum and rewrap in plastic wrap and foil.  Cake will keep at room temperature for 3 weeks.


Let me know what you think!




   

School Days

"The Dots"

Jason

 I haven't blogged in so long. I'm not sure where to start!

Justin has learned how to read.  His letters are looking really good.  And he has figured out an easy way to add numbers-by counting dots as you can see in the picture here.  He really loves learning.  He is very meticulous and methodical learner.  He loves mazes and coloring and is very talented at free-lance drawing :D
  Jason is learning letters (how to write and what they say),                          numbers. He listens very carefully to Justin's lessons and actually has some addition problems memorized. He is very proud of himself.  :D   He has discovered mazes.  We are going through the alphabet this year so the wall in the kitchen is covered with letters of construction paper and letter mazes.

Justin

Jason