MINIATURE FRUITCAKES

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1-1/2 cups chopped walnuts
• 1 cup chopped dates
• 3/4 cup chopped mixed candied fruit (about 4 ounces)
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Halved candied cherries

In a bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Combine egg yolks and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients. In a small mixing bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Fill greased and floured muffin cups two-thirds full. Cover muffin tin tightly with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake at 275 degrees for 1 hour. Uncover; top with cherries. Bake 5 minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of each cup; remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Yield: 1 dozen.