tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27163563.post3952103643817875337..comments2008-11-20T21:53:26.141-06:00Isabellenoreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27163563.post-7194023155253033102008-11-20T21:53:00.000-06:002008-11-20T21:53:00.000-06:00@Roxanne, thanks for the tip. I do have that on my list of fruitcakes to review--can you believe I have at least 10 more fruitcakes to review? For all of the fruitcake hatred out there, how can all of these places stay in business?<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I have one more monastery fruitcake in the fridge, then I think I'll do something completely different--perhaps something more high-end (aka expensive). <BR/><BR/>Stay tuned!Isabellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18252690723338025605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27163563.post-71546338287225360732008-11-20T21:47:00.000-06:002008-11-20T21:47:00.000-06:00@Anonymous: I agree completely with you, I have tried at least two home made fruitcakes that were absolutely delicous. But there are so many commercial ones out there just aching to be eaten, I feel it's my duty to do it! Bravo for you, though, for making your own. Maybe when I retire, I'll dedicate myself to making my own . . .Isabellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18252690723338025605noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27163563.post-45815896344660691372008-11-19T09:11:00.000-06:002008-11-19T09:11:00.000-06:00Hi Isabella,<BR/><BR/>Just curious as to what fruitcakes you plan on reviewing this year?<BR/><BR/>Is the Texas Manor Fruitcake (from The Original Ya-Hoo! Baking Company) on the list? <BR/><BR/>When my mother lived in Texas during her teen years, this was the fruitcake her parents purchased every holiday season. <BR/><BR/>I have never had it, but just wondering what you would think of it.<BR/><BR/>Myself, I don't generally buy fruitcake. I prefer to make my own, so I can control the quality and what goes in it (it's also a lot cheaper than buying fruitcake!). I also like mine with lots of booze :), but no candied fruit--as I think they just taste strange.<BR/><BR/>However, your reviews of the Monastery fruitcakes are really tempting me...Roxannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27163563.post-28635446456277603442008-11-18T18:41:00.000-06:002008-11-18T18:41:00.000-06:00Why not make your own fruitcake? That's what I've been doing for the last two days for gift giving. <BR/><BR/>I don't particularly care for most fruitcakes made for retail in America, as most of them contain "tooth-achingly sweet, nuclear, gummy fruits." I make mine with good quality dried fruit and candied ginger, macerated in brandy or rum; lightly spiced with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and allspice, with pecans or hazelnuts. Once baked, the cakes are set up to age and are spritzed brandy every 2 to 3 days for at least 2 -4 weeks. <BR/><BR/>Nothing beats a good, homemade fruitcake.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com