In centuries past it was a staple of the European diet, prized for its nutritional value and famous (some would say infamous) longevity. In England in the late 18th century, the fruitcake or “plumb cake” as it was called was held in such esteem that laws forbade its consumption on all but the most festive occasions: holidays, weddings, christenings.

What a difference a few hundred years can make. These days, fruitcake is little more than a seasonal joke; the holiday gift nearly everyone receives and few want. The holiday question on some of our minds is what to do with the thing?

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