Five Ways to Give Away a Fruitcake

The Christmas and holiday season brings forward plenty of opportunities for gift-giving, gift exchanges, and enjoying a wealth of gourmet food and treats. The tradition of making a rich, dense fruitcake has its roots in European and Mediterranean festivities. Fruitcakes are chock full of rich nuts, dried fruit including plump raisins, cranberries, and apricots, and even pomegranates. Fruitcakes are often flavored with rum and other liquor, but non-alcoholic versions are still made with fresh honey, spices, and various liqueurs.

Even if you haven't mastered your fruitcake recipe, it's likely you'll receive one or two after the Christmas dinner is over. Fruitcake exchanges are a prime opportunity to share the wealth of the season, and many of your friends and neighbors will take part in the festivities of a fruitcake exchange ceremony this year. If you aren't a fan of the cake that often has people's eyes rolling with agony, take charge of the situation by giving yours away. Here are five ways to politely, and creatively, give away a fruitcake this year!

1. Slice it up and serve it with coffee or tea right after Christmas dinner. Encourage your guests to indulge in the cookie tray and sneak in small, bite sized pieces of the fruitcake alongside the assortment. Most people will likely take at least a piece or two with their selections.

2. Wrap it up like a present. . .and take it to the neighbor's New Year's party. You won't be the guest that arrives empty-handed, and it's an easy way to use up that extra wrapping paper or gift bags!

3. Take it to work. There's nothing better than free office food, even if it ends up being fruitcake. Encourage your coworkers to boost their fruit intake by enjoying a slice or two during the mid-afternoon slump.

4. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, freeze it, and 'unveil' it at the next neighborhood potluck. You'll be providing some fresh dessert without the hassle of actually making something.

5. Turn it into a secret recipe dessert. Use slices as a base for a new pudding you've invented. Cut it into small cubes, cover it with frosting, and serve it with some petit fours at your next gathering. Make it a sundae! Heat it up, and serve with a scoop of some rich, creamy vanilla ice cream. Try different variations to serve or perhaps enjoy your new creation.

If you're stuck making or receiving a fruitcake this holiday season, don't fret about it! There are plenty of options to get it out of the house without worry; all it takes is a little creativity and planning. Some people truly do enjoy fruitcake, so if you have that person on your Christmas gift-giving list, it will make your objective much easier. If not, use any of these five ways to give away that fruitcake this year; you have plenty of time to strategize for next year's season!