Southern Fruitcake

Ingredients

• 3 cups light brown sugar
• 3 cups butter
• 12 eggs, separated (room temperature)
• 2 cups almonds, blanched
• 3 cups raisins
• 2 cups currants
• 2 cups candied cherries
• 2 cups dried figs, chopped
• 2 cups dates, chopped
• 1 cup citron, chopped
• 2 cups candied pineapple
• 1 cup lemon peel, chopped
• 1 cup orange peel, chopped
• 3 cups flour
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons mace
• 2 tablespoons ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons allspice
• 2 tablespoons nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon baking soda