FRUITCAKE It's a gift many prefer to give, not receive
Originally called plum cake, fruitcake has become one of the most ridiculed desserts.
SCRIPPS HOWARD
Although it's become the untouched option at the end of a holiday buffet, that brown-and-green hunk collecting frost in your freezer, the fruitcake hasn't always been the Christmas outcast it is today.
The British fell in love with the cake concoction in the 15th century. By the 18th century, it was integral to nut-harvest celebrations across Europe, according to www.Whats-CookingAmerica.net, a Web site that details the cake's history.
Fruitcake started out stale from its inception. It was baked at the end of the year's harvest using that year's nuts, and then saved and eaten during the following year's harvest. Farmers believed it would bring blessings for another successful harvest.
Sinfully delicious
Originally called plum cake, fruitcake was considered a delicacy in the early 18th century and became popular at weddings and holiday celebrations. Authorities outlawed the cake throughout Europe in the 18th century because of its "sinfully rich" flavor, according to the Web site.
Traditional fruitcake recipes include spices, nuts and dried fruit like raisins and dates.
Because of the cake's long shelf life, Queen Victoria is rumored to have waited a year to eat a fruitcake she got for her birthday. She said it showed restraint and moderation, according to the historical Web site.
But despite its prestigious history, the fruitcake has become one of the most ridiculed desserts. Even Johnny Carson once joked, "There really is only one fruitcake in the world. It is passed from family to family," according to Wikipedia.com.
Easy target
In Boulder, Colo., the fruitcake has gained a reputation for its ability to fly, not its flavor, thanks to the Boulder Fruitcake Throw.
The throw is no longer practiced, but Peter Richards pulled it off successfully in 1998 and 1999. The events challenged participants to use a giant slingshot to catapult the cakes across an elementary-school playground and into an adjacent cemetery.
"I have nothing against fruitcake," Richards said. "But it's an easy thing to pick on."
In fact, Richards said he wouldn't turn down a slice of his grandmother's fruitcake.
"I'd like to eat a good one," he said.