Christmas Cake

1 (4 ounce) package blanched slivered almonds
16 ounces candied cherries
1 (8 ounce) package candied mixed citrus peel
2 cups raisins
1 cup currants
1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
1/2 cup brandy
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
2 cups packed brown sugar
6 eggs
3/4 cup molasses
3/4 cup apple juice

Combine fruits, nuts, and brandy. Dredge with 1/2 cup flour, and allow to stand 2 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 275 degrees F (135 degrees C). Grease, line with brown paper, and grease again an 8 x 8 x 3 inch fruit cake pan. Stir or blend together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter. Gradually blend in brown sugar and eggs. Mix together molasses and apple juice. Add sifted dry ingredients alternately with liquid to the creamed mixture. Make 4 dry and 3 liquid additions, combining lightly after each addition. Fold in floured fruit. Turn into prepared pan.

Bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until cake tests done with a toothpick. Remove from pan, and lift off brown paper. Cool cake completely, and then wrap loosely in wax paper. Store in an airtight container.