Fruitcake

The original recipe called for greased brown paper to line the pans but that is no longer considered a safe practice.  Today's brown paper sacks may be treated with chemicals, including insecticides, that are not safe to eat. Waxed paper can substitute for the brown paper in this and other older recipes. If necessary, the waxed paper can be greased and floured as the recipe directs.

4 cups thinly sliced apples (peeled and cored)
2 or 3 tablespoons water
2 cups sugar
1 cup margarine or butter
1 bag (about one pound) orange slice candy, chopped
Orange slice candy (Sunkist is one brand) has the color, shape and aroma of fresh orange sections. The texture resembles gumdrops.
1 pound chopped dates
1 can (about 12 to 14 ounces) pineapple tidbits
1/2 cup raisins
4 1/2 cups flour
4 teaspoons baking soda
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans
1 cup English walnuts

Cook sliced apples with water until transparent. Add sugar, margarine and half of the chopped orange slices; cook five minutes. Let mixture stand overnight.

In a large bowl, place dates, remaining orange candy, well-drained pineapple tidbits, raisins and the apple mixture. Mix well.

In another bowl, combine and sift the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt.

Gradually stir dry ingredients into the pineapple mixture. Stir in apple mixture. Stir in pecans and walnuts. Mix well.

Prepare pans for baking. Newer pans can simply be greased and floured. If using older pans (that may be rough or stained), grease with shortening, line with waxed paper, grease again, dust with flour and shake out excess flour.

Pack batter in pans until three-fourths full. Bake at 250° F about two hours.

If cakes get too brown on top, cover lightly with aluminum foil. Cakes are done when they begin to pull away from the sides of the pans.

Cool cakes in pans five minutes. Remove from pans. Cool to room temperature. Remove waxed paper if used. If desired, wrap in foil and freeze for later use.