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Nostalgia for the slow bake of holiday fruitcakes
Making fruitcakes with my aunt meant soaking fruits for weeks ahead of time! The baking itself took a very long time, with the oven on low for hours. Today, recipes cut corners with pre-soaked mixes and faster bakes. But that long process created memories and flavors that rushed versions just can't match.
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alice_king666mo ago
Oh wow, you hit the nail on the head with this! My grandma used to make fruitcakes the same way, soaking everything for what felt like forever. The whole house would smell like spices and warmth for days while it baked slow. Those afternoons helping her in the kitchen are some of my clearest memories from being a kid. She'd tell stories about her own mom doing it, and it felt like a real family tradition. Now when I see those quick mixes in the store, I just shake my head. How can you even compare that to something made with so much time and care?
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betty_perry246mo ago
You know, @alice_king66, I read once that all that soaking wasn't just for flavor. It kept the fruit from sinking to the bottom during the long bake. Makes you appreciate the process even more, doesn't it?
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fisher.thomas5mo ago
Honestly, that time and care just sounds like a lot of work for a cake most people won't eat. Those quick mixes get a homemade dessert on the table for a busy family, and that's a win in my book. Sometimes good enough is just fine.
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