This was my great grandmother's recipe; however, my grandma eliminated the fruit that is usually used and used spice gum drops and that is what makes it such a treat. I can remember this from childdhood, and I've made them every Christmas since I've been married - 1960! Special to me is that I still have my grandma's handwritten recipe when she gave it to me! It is simple, and just for info I usually double it as a single batch isn't enough. I bake them 1-2 days before Christmas Eve. We have them on Christmas Eve and I give some to neighbors, take in to work, give to family, and they are gone so fast! They are very fast to make as well! I can't recommend them enough!
| 1 1/2 | C | Sweetened applesauce |
| 1 | C | Sugar |
| 1/2 | C | Butter/oleo |
| 1 | C | White raisins |
| 1 | C | Chopped up dates (I used the chopped that come in a box) |
| 1 1/2 | C | Walnuts |
| 1 | C | Cocoanut |
| 1 1/2 | lbs | Small spice gumdrops |
| 1/2 | tsp each | Salt, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon |
| 2 | tsp | Baking soda |
| 2 | Eggs | |
| 2 | C | Flour |