Gram`s Lighter Applesauce Fruitcake

1 c Butter; room temperature

2 c Sugar

2 Eggs; room temperature

2 ts Vanilla

2 c Pitted dates; chopped coarse

3 c Applesauce

2 c Walnuts; chopped coarse

2 c Raisins

2 c Mixed candied fruit; chopped

-coarse 1/2 ts Salt

1 ts Ground cinnamon

1/2 ts Ground cloves

1 tb Baking soda

4 c All-purpose flour

Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla. Add remaining ingredients and blend until all is incorporated. Divide batter among 3 greased loaf pans, about 8 x 4 x 3-inches each. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out

clean. Remove to a cooling rack. When cool enough to handle, remove the loaves from the pans and cool completely on a rack. Wrap in plastic wrap and keep in refrigerator. The Tampa Tribune, December 1992. -----