GRANDMA'S CHRISTMAS FRUIT COCKTAIL CAKE...Moist, delicious, and EASY!

Grandma made this cake every year at Christmas. It is so easy! The recipe will be featured in our local community holiday magazine for 2011.

GRANDMA'S CHRISTMAS FRUIT COCKTAIL CAKE

Moist and delicious, and so easy!

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES

2 cups flour

1 tsp. baking soda

dash of salt
1 1/3 cups sugar

2 eggs

1 can fruit cocktail (do not drain)

Mix all ingredients well, adding fruit cocktail, last. Bake at 350 degrees in a bundt pan, 9 x 11 inch pan (metal or glass), or 2 loaf pans. Bake time is 40-45 minutes. Set aside and cool.

ICING:

(Just as moist and delicious without icing...)

1 cup sugar (Grandma used white, but I like to use brown.)

1 12-oz can evaporated milk

3 egg yolks

1 stick margarine

Cook until thick, constantly stirring.

Remove from heat and add the following:

1 tsp vanilla

1 tbsp orange or lemon juice (optional)

1 cup coconut

1 cup nuts of your choice (I like to use walnuts.)

Spread over your cake, or if you have used a bundt pan, drizzle around the tops and sides. Garnish with RED cherries, or other garnishments. Other options that I sometimes add, are: 2 over-ripe mashed bananas, or cranraisins. ENJOY!