Christmas Fruit Cake

• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 c. brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tbsp. soda in 1 c. boiling water poured over 1 lb. cut up dates
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 c. flour
• 1/4 candied fruit (mixed)
• 1 c. nut meats, chopped
• 1/2 c. raisins
• 4 c. eggplant, peeled and cut into small pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes)
• 88 single saltine cracker squares or 2 individual packs saltines, broken into crumbs
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1 stick butter
• 1 pt. half and half (approximate)
• 1 or 2 qt. rum
• 1 c. butter
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 c. dried fruit
• baking powder
• 1 tsp. soda
• lemon juice
• brown sugar
• nuts

1. Before you start, sample the rum to check for quality.
2. Good isn't it?
3. Now go ahead.
4. Select a large mixing bowl, measuring cup, etc.
5. Check rum again.
6. It must be just right.
7. To be sure rum is of highest quality, pour 1 level cup of rum into a glass and drink it as fast as you can.
8. Repeat!
9. With an electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter in a large fluffy bowl.
10. Add 1 seaspoon of thugar and beat again.

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Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=497246 (may not work)