CASSEROLE FRUIT CAKE

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried apricots
• 3/4 cup Crisco
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1/3 cup slivered candied cherries
• 1/3 cup sliced candied orange peel
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup seedless raisins
• 1/3 cup sliced citron
• 1/3 cup slivered almonds
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
2. Cover apricots with cold water, bring to a boil for 1 minute, then drain and coarsely slice.
3. Cream Crisco, sugar, and egg yolks together until light. Stir in raisins, candied fruits, and nuts.
4. Sift together flour, salt, and baking soda. Add to the creamed mixture alternately with stiffly beaten egg whites.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared casserole dish, cover, and bake for 2 hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.