Ingredients
Golden raisins 2 pounds (can be combined with dark raisins).
2 lbs of candied fruit (normally sold in 1-pound containers).
1/2 cup honey
One tablespoon ginger
1 cup of shredded coconut
Pecans: 1 to 2 cups
Orange juice or any other fruit juice, 1/2 cup
1/2 cup dark rum
5 cups of unbleached, all-purpose flour
Two teaspoons of baking powder
Half a teaspoon of salt
Two teaspoons of cinnamon
Half a teaspoon of nutmeg
Butter: 1 cup, softened
1 cup margarine softened
Brown sugar, 2 1/2 cups
PREPARE YOURSELF
* Combine raisins, candied fruits, honey, ginger root, coconut flakes, pecans, and dark rum in a large, covered bowl. Stir to coat all ingredients with liquid. Cover and soak overnight.
Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg the next day.
* In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, butter and margarine. These ingredients should be beaten until light and fluffy, approximately 4 minutes. Then, add the eggs one by one, mixing until just combined.
* Incorporate dry ingredients gradually. It may be necessary to add the last dry ingredient by hand if the batter becomes heavy. Stir in the fruit soaked overnight by hand.
Preheat oven to 220degF.
* Line a two-part tube pan with parchment paper and grease it heavily, not using oil. The post, the base, and the sides should be covered. Mom used to use a heavy brown grocery bag with the writing facing away from the batter as a liner for the pan.
Bake for 3 1/2 to 4 hours or until the cake is firm. Avoid opening the oven excessively to prevent cracking.
Open the oven door partially and allow the cake to cool down gradually in the pan for 30 minutes.
Pour evenly on top of the cake 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fruit juice with rum after removing the paper seal.
* Refrigerate.
