Almost everyone has a strong opinion about fruitcake.  It is one of those desserts that there is no in-between, you will find the “love them” group and “hate them” group in every bunch.  For the love them group, it as much a traditional part of the holidays as the tree, the holly and Santa Claus. 

Many cultures have a rich, fruit-filled cake that is baked only on special holidays. The Germans have their “Stollen,” the Italians their Christmas “pannetone.” In Russia it’s “kulich,” the Czechs make “vanochka,” to name only a few. Some are breads, with a yeast base; others are cakes. Some have lots of candied fruits, raisins and nuts, others not so much.