Goodness gracious! I made this meal for a party, and it disappeared in the blink of an eye

As I sit here, thinking about Mama's Boiled Fruit Cake, I am transported back to my childhood. The smell of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized fruit wafting through the house, the excitement of gathering around the kitchen table with my family as Mama carefully prepared this timeless recipe - these are some of my fondest memories. This cake holds a special place in my heart, not just because it is incredibly delicious, but because it brings people together and creates lasting moments of joy and connection.

Mama used a secret ingredient in hers: 1 can of crushed pineapple. It made all the difference. Saving and making this recipe is so much more than just baking a cake. It's about creating a tradition, passing down a piece of our family history, and embracing the comforting and familiar flavors that have been treasured for generations. Mama's Boiled Fruit Cake is a testament to the power of food to bring people together, to evoke nostalgia, and to create a sense of belonging.

Ingredients:

2 cups mixed dried fruit (about 500 grams)
1 can (crushed) pineapple, ~14 ounces (about 440 grams)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, chopped (about 125 grams)
1 teaspoon mixed spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 beaten eggs
1 cup self-rising flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
Optional: pecans

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. In a saucepan, combine the mixed dried fruit, crushed pineapple (including the juice), butter, sugar, and spices. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then remove it from the heat, add baking soda, and allow it to cool for 15-20 minutes.

3. Add the beaten eggs, pecans (if using), and both types of flour.

4. Pour the batter into a greased cake tin and bake for approximately 40 minutes or until the top turns golden.

5. Remove from the oven. Cover with foil and continue baking for another 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Mama's Boiled Fruit Cake is not just another recipe to add to your collection. It's an invitation to embrace tradition, to create memories, and to savor the simple joys of life. With its rich flavors, moist texture, and the heartwarming stories it carries, this cake is sure to become a cherished part of your family's culinary heritage. So, save this recipe, gather your loved ones, and let Mama's Boiled Fruit Cake fill your home with warmth and love.