Regal Fruitcake

Ingredients
2 cups chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped dates
1 cup sliced and drained maraschino cherries
1 6 oz. package of semisweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup sugar

Directions
Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt together; set aside.

Beat eggs until they are thick. Add sugar and beat until well combined. Add walnuts, chocolate chips, cherries and dates; stir until combined. Add flour mixture a little at a time until everything is incorporated. Batter will be dense.

Pour mixture into a 9 x 5 x 3 loaf pan that has been lightly greased and lined with wax paper (sides included) that has been lightly greased.

Place a shallow pan with 2 cups of water on the bottom rack of the oven during baking. This will keep the cake moist.

Bake for 45 min. or until cake tests done. Cool ten minutes before removing from pan and brush fruit cake with apple cider or brandy.

Wrap well and store in cool place for 10 days before serving.