HOW DO YOU MAKE FRUITCAKE RECIPES

Steps:

• Snip off the hard stems of the figs with scissors or a small knife and coarsely chop the figs. In a medium bowl, combine the figs, raisins, cherries, apricots, honey, sherry, lemon juice, pecans, and a pinch of salt. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit overnight at room temperature.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter, cloves, superfine sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes. With the mixer on low speed, add the egg and mix until incorporated. With the mixer still on low, slowly add the flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt just until combined. Don't over mix! Add the fruits and nuts, including any liquid in the bowl.
• Divide the dough in half and place each half on the long edge of a 12 by 18-inch piece of parchment or waxed paper. Roll each half into a log, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4-inch thick, making an 18-inch-long roll. Refrigerate the dough for several hours, or until firm.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
• With a small, sharp knife, cut the logs into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Place the slices 1/2-inch apart on ungreased sheet pans and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until lightly golden.

Steps:

• Place the sugar in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the butter.
• Cream butter and sugar together until smooth, about 8 minutes with an electric mixer.
• Add eggs, one at a time, mixing together just until combined.
• Sift the flour. Measure out 4 level cups of sifted flour.
• Add about 2 tablespoons of the flour to the raisins, toss until coated. Set aside.
• Alternate adding flour and milk.
• Start with flour and end with flour, mixing after each addition just until incorporated into batter.
• Add the cocoa.
• Add the allspice.
• Add the cinnamon.
• Add the vanilla extract.
• Mix again, until spices and flavoring are just incorporated. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed.
• Fold the raisins into the batter.
• Grease and flour three 8 inch baking pans.
• Divide the batter evenly between the three pans. Tap lightly on counter to release air bubbles.
• Bake at 350F degrees until done. Test with a toothpick for doneness.
• Remove pans when done, place on wire rack to cool.
• Prepare the filling
• Assemble the cake