(You made it! Welcome to Flashback Sunday! It’s that special day when we break the space-time continuum together, with the understanding, of course, that we’ll fix it again once we’re done. As long as we’re careful and put everything back like we found it, then — just like these early posts — no one will even notice…)
The letters came in response to the column I wrote about Fruitcake Disposal Anxiety Disorder, which was named in a New York Post special investigation as “The fastest-growing mental disorder in the entire world.”
“And we’re pretty sure about that,” the report concluded. “If not, then it’s right up there with ‘Fear of Clowns’ or something.”
After receiving these letters, I looked back over the column and realized that, yes — it was a little insensitive to fruitcake lovers out there. So, in response, I spent time looking into what makes a good fruitcake, compared with the kind of fruitcake the rest of us receive each holiday season. After comparing dozens of recipes and then baking four different fruitcakes of my own, I realized something important — which is that, by using a six-inch bundt pan, my daughter now has a full set of tires for her Barbie Jeep.
Again, I’m not saying that there’s no such thing as a good fruitcake.
I’m just saying that if there’s an R-14, all-weather radial bundt pan out there, I’d like to know about it.
I should point out that over 21 million fruitcakes were sold in the U.S. last year, and not one of them was allowed on any flight in or out of Canada. That’s because fruitcakes have been added to the list of banned carry-on items on all Canadian flights. This is due to the X-ray machine’s inability to penetrate fruitcake, therefore making it impossible for screeners — or even Superman — to verify if they’re safe.
“Well, look at that! A fruitcake from Lex Luthor. How thoughtful!”
“Be careful, Superman.”
“Relax, Lois. What danger could there be in…WAIT! THOSE AREN’T CANDIED GUAVAS!”
Admittedly, there is a huge difference between what passes as fruitcake here in the U.S., and what the English refer to as “plum” cake. While the English version is said to be extremely moist and flavorful due to its high rum content, American fruitcake is known — like many U.S. food products — for its durability. This is particularly true of commercial fruitcakes, which are primarily used for keeping decorative tins from getting bent during shipping.
Lesley Hatcher of Panama City, Fla., who wrote in promising to change my mind about fruitcake by shipping me a homemade sample next year, is obviously very passionate about fruitcake.
Frighteningly, she’s not alone. As a member of the Society for the Protection and Preservation of Fruitcake (www.fruitcakesociety.org), she is “one of thousands” who are “spreading the gospel about fruitcake.”
(Note: After looking long and hard, I’m happy to report there’s no reference in either Testament to The “Gospel According to Fruitcake.”)
According to Lesley, the fastest way to get someone to stop making jokes about fruitcake is to give them a piece. I’m not sure if that’s supposed to change their mind or keep them from speaking, but whatever the case, I promise to keep an open mind until next year.
Who knows?
I may end up eating my words.
Then again, I may end up with a spare for my daughter’s Jeep.
(Ned Hickson is a syndicated columnist with News Media Corporation. His first book, Humor at the Speed of Life, is available here from Port Hole Publications for Christmas)
Ned's Blog 
Pretty sure you’re a fruitcake, Ned … or a Fruitloop (haven’t got a clue what those are but am pretty sure it’s not a term of endearment). 😀
Hey, I’ve been called worse 😉
I LOVE that quote!
Not only is it hilarious, it’s also highly accurate 😉
I love fruitcakes.
And the rum/bourbon you soak them in a month before you cut into em’.
Both. The fruitcake. And the fruitcakes….
LOL — well that apparently explains why you love fruitcake. 😀
*hands you a rum ball*
Cheers.
…cheerfully accepts!
Anything and anyone soaked in dark spirits are definitely in a more “fruitier” mood. Agreed!?
Speaking of citron…. 😉
Agreed.
Apparently, I need to drink more rum… 😉
Drinking rum is not for the faint at heart or stomach. It might cause you to eat fruitcake. 😉
*leaves a fifth of Appleton Estate*
Only the best will do for you. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you.
I’ll keep that in mind, Victoria 😉
*Leaves bottle of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey in freezer*
http://www.qualityliquorstore.com/fireball-cinnamon-whisky-750ml/
Hahah, I’m not a big whisky fan, but cinnamon whisky? — that’s definitely worth a shot, pun not intended. 😉
Trust me, I’m not a whiskey drinker either, but this stuff is delicious. Just straight up over ice, or mixed with apple cider or hot chocolate.
Or did I mention straight up over ice?
I’ll warn ‘Coop… 😉
I will soak him hard…
that didntcome out right…
Oh yes it did.
Hahaha this is hilarious: This is due to the X-ray machine’s inability to penetrate fruitcake, therefore making it impossible for screeners — or even Superman — to verify if they’re safe.
Also? ALL fruitcakes suck. Note that’s why there aren’t vitamin cakes or cat shit cakes. They’re not edible. The end : )
Love your hair, you totally won!
Cat shit cakes! Hahahahaha! Although my dog seems to have an affinity for what I call litter fritters. Still, I agree there’s no such thing as a good fruitcake. If there was, then why doesn’t anyone ever have one for their birthday?
Case closed.
Totally! Here: crab cakes and pancakes? Totally on menus. Fruitcakes? Never. Extra case closed.
LOL!
*agrees, marks with CASE CLOSED stamp*
My mother’s family is from Cornwall and all love fruitcake. Otherwise, very rational people.
I wouldn’t tell just anyone this, but a couple from England actually sent me fruitcake they made themselves, from scratch, with a rum content that could launch a space shuttle. However, it was actually quite delicious. Moist. Flavorful. Everything American fruitcake isn’t.