Recipe(tried): LA Fruit Cake Cookies For Kim

Kim, I know that you are looking for a Fruit Cake Recipe but I offer this recipe for Fruit Cake Cookies, since I have never found a Fruit Cake that I like. I do, however, like these and make them every year for Christmas. The recipe is from Grandma Rose's Book of Sinfully Delicious Cakes, Cookies, Pies. Cheese Cakes, Cake Rolls, and Pastries. (I know - it is a long title:-)!!) Rose Naftalin had a restaurant (Rose's) in Portland, Oregon which was very well known, and, which I had the pleasure of eating at on more than a few occasions. Her desserts were incredible!

Fruit Cake Cookies

1 1/2 c. golden raisins
1/4 c. diced citron
1/2 lb. chopped candied cherries
1/4 c. rum
1/2 c. sweet butter, softened
1/2 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/8 tsp. salt
1/2 lb. pecan pieces

Put raisins, citron, and cherries in a bowl. Pour on the rum and let stand for 1 hour.

Cream the butter. Add the sugar and eggs and beat until fluffy. Sift flour with baking soda, spices and salt. Add to the butter mixture and blend well. Add nuts and the rum-soaked fruit. Cover and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning, preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.

Form batter into balls the size of walnuts. Bake on cookies sheets for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on racks. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and place in paper candy cups.