Elegant Light Fruit Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups ground almonds
• 3 cups red candied cherries
• 1.5 cups green candied cherries
• 1 package diced candied citron , 8 ounce
• 6 cups golden raisins
• 8 ounces candied pineapple , diced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2.67 cups white sugar
• 8 eggs yolks
• 4 teaspoons almond extract
• 0.67 cups brandy
• 0.67 cups milk
• 4.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 8 eggs whites
• 1.5 teaspoons cream of tartar

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Place a pan of water in oven. Grease thoroughly and line with heavy brown paper one set of tier pans (one 9 inch, one 7 inch, and one 5 inch).

2. 2

   In a large bowl combine ground almonds and fruits. Dredge with one cup flour.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup flour and shortening. Gradually blend in white sugar. Beat in egg yolks and almond flavoring; beat until very light and fluffy. Mix together brandy and milk; add alternately with 4 1/2 cups flour to creamed mixture. Make 3 dry and 2 liquid additions, combining lightly after each.

4. 4

   In another bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar to form stiff but moist peaks. Fold into batter. Fold in floured fruit mixture.

5. 5

   Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on size of pan. Bake each cake until it tests done with a toothpick. Remove from pans, and lift off paper. Cool.