Literally the most controversial foodstuff of most Christmas feasts, fruitcake is either loved or hated and rarely anything in between. But did you know . . .
- Fruitcake dates back to at least Roman times? The Romans mixed pine nuts, barley mash, pomegranate seeds, raisins, and honeyed wine and then shaped it into a cake. They called it “satura.” Fittingly the word “satire,” a literary device the Romans invented, is derived from the cake, or “a mix of many ingredients both sour and sweet,” according to the New York Times. But wasn’t until the 16th century that fruitcake really got its “legs.”
- Fruitcake has a special place among the hearts of British Royalty and was actually included in the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. And Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William continued the tradition when Middleton chose a fruitcake as a “clear nod to Diana’s wedding,” according to mentalfloss.com.
- Fruitcake also has some surprising longevity. It can age 25 years and still be eaten and enjoyed as long as it contains the right preservatives and is stored in an airtight container, according to the Christian Science Monitor.
But why all this attention to the Fruitcake? This Saturday, December 10th, 8:00 p.m., Heartland Men’s Chorus will present their ode to the Fruitcake and many other holiday favorites at Yardley Hall on the campus of Johnson County Community College. In its third year as Kansas City’s non-traditional slant on the holiday, Kansas City Christmas has quickly become one of the fastest growing new holiday traditions. With a blend of familiar carols, choral classics and hilariously zany twists on your beloved holiday music, Kansas City Christmas features something for everyone and is sure to leave you in the holiday spirit ‘cuz it’s a celebration that’s “Classy, Brassy and OH SO Sassy!” Visit www.hmckc.org/tickets/ or contact 913-469-4445.
