Fruitcake became popular in Europe in the late 16th century, an ingenious idea resulting from imperialism’s influx of exotic fruits and cheap sugar. The fruit was preserved by soaking it in concentrated sugar water.
What better way to eat candied fruit than wrapping it in cake?!
It’s unclear when someone had the brilliant idea to macerate the fruit and soak the cake in liquor, but surely no one put up much of an argument.
Always a fair man, during the holidays William Beekman would allow his servants to make products to sell in his mercantile and earn extra income. His housekeeper, Generous, was well-known for her “spirited” fruitcakes. She used only the best ingredients from the shelves of the mercantile, just like the version that we sell today.
Our version, made in the ovens of the Black Cat Bakery right in Sharon Springs, is a “generous” 1.5 lbs, and contains only the best assortment of fruits macerated in locally distilled spirits.
Each cake is hand-wrapped in brandy-soaked cheesecloth. As the cake is consumed, keep the remainder wrapped and continue to brush the cloth with your own brandy or spirit of choice. The flavors will continue to develop. (You can try this technique with any fruitcake that finds its way to your doorstep)
NOTE: The Generous Fruitcake is available in the Beekman 1802 Mercantile each year beginning Thanksgiving Day and is available for purchase until Christmas Eve. To every thing there is a season…
9 Comments
Delicious! But don’t forget about “All About Eve” for a true holiday classic – or “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?”
Are these REALLY holiday classics?
Hey Happy Thanksgiving! Whats on the menu today? I hope you have a warm fire, loads of friends and a big, long table full of treats. Enjoy the holidays!
just received my fruitcake – too fabulous… It will clearly not last until Christmas… guess I better order another one.
I know. They are so, so delicious!
Please tell me you don’t use candy fruit…that is not a real fruitcake–you need dried cherries, cranberries blueberries, yellow rasin, currents and etc.
Bill
Where on earth would you get the idea that we use candied fruit? Blasphemy!! All of our fruits are macerated for days in locally-sourced apple jack.
I can testify! I usually hate fruitcake…. with that yellow candied stuff – blea! This Generous Fruitcake truly is the best… I am ordering my second one now – so I can take it on a trip to a Southern AZ Bed & Breakfast for Christmas.
Hi, Nancy
Thanks for that ringing endorsement!!