Christmas Traditions...Gumdrop Bread!

Traditions...
I think one of the most exciting parts of the holidays are the traditions that each family has. I love to hear and read about what other people do to make the holidays unique and special to their families and I also like to reflect and ponder on the things that my family does to make the holidays exciting for us as well.

I don't know what it is about the word "Fruitcake", but it is a scary word to most people at Christmas time. One of my favorite holiday traditions is "Fruitcake". My mom always made this when we were kids and it has been passed down through the generations.

So, since most people are scared with the name Fruitcake, I have renamed this "Gumdrop Bread". People's ears always perk up when they hear this!
It is hilarious the contrast of how people respond to this name rather than Fruitcake.

This recipe was originally called "Dark Fruit Cake" because it is what they made in Pioneer days to use up their bottled fruit that had gone dark and wasn't as pretty to look at when dished up. I'm sure that they added in dried fruit instead of gumdrops, but my mom, and grandma always used gumdrops.

Bottled Fruit, Walnuts, Raisins and Gumdrops mixed with spices and other ingredients make this SO yummy, that the holidays wouldn't be the same at our house if this wasn't baked up to put on our goodie plates of holiday treats.

I haven't met anyone yet who has tried this and not loved it!

Gumdrop Bread
(This recipe is a good way to use up all your old dark fruit!)

1 quart bottled fruit pureed up, OR 4 cups liquid;
blend with 4 teaspoons baking soda.

Add to fruit:
4 cups flour
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup oil
1 to 2 cups cut up gumdrops
2 cups raisins
2 cups chopped nuts (I use walnuts)
Grease and flour 3 or 4 bread pans, (or 6 to 8 small loaf pans).
Bake at 325 degrees for 60-75 minutes for large loaf pans, OR, 45-60 minutes for small loaf pans. I always bake until a toothpick inserted in comes out clean. VERY moist, yummy bread.

This freezes well and I always keep it in the fridge until we are ready to eat it.

Enjoy!!

Happy Holidays
from our family to yours!