Christmas Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 (8 ounce) containers candied cherries
• 1 (8 ounce) container candied mixed citrus peel
• 2 (2.25 ounce) packages blanched slivered almonds
• 2 cups raisins
• 1 cup dried currants
• 1 cup dates, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup molasses
• 3/4 cup apple juice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 6 large eggs