Elegant Light Fruit Cake

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons almond extract 
• 0.7 cup brandy 
• 1.5 cups candied cherries green
• 3 cups candied cherries red
• 8 ounce candied citron diced
• 1.5 teaspoons cream of tartar 
• 8  egg whites 
• 8  egg yolks 
• 1 cup flour all-purpose
• 4.5 cups flour all-purpose
• 6 cups golden raisins 
• 2 cups ground almonds 
• 0.7 cup milk 
• 8 ounces candied pineapple diced
• 1 cup shortening 
• 2.7 cups sugar white

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• oven
• toothpicks

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).
2. Place a pan of water in oven. Grease thoroughly and line with heavy brown paper one set of tier pans (one 9 inch, one 7 inch, and one 5 inch).
3. In a large bowl combine ground almonds and fruits. Dredge with one cup flour.
4. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup flour and shortening. Gradually blend in white sugar. Beat in egg yolks and almond flavoring; beat until very light and fluffy.
5. Mix together brandy and milk; add alternately with 4 1/2 cups flour to creamed mixture. Make 3 dry and 2 liquid additions, combining lightly after each.
6. In another bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar to form stiff but moist peaks. Fold into batter. Fold in floured fruit mixture.
7. Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours, depending on size of pan.
8. Bake each cake until it tests done with a toothpick.
9. Remove from pans, and lift off paper. Cool.