1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2/3 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. rich milk
1 1/2 tbsp. cocoa
3 tbsp. melted butter
3 c. self-rising flour
Candied fruit (optional)
2/3 c. dried peaches, cooked and sweetened
2/3 c. dried apples, cooked and sweetened
1 c. raisins
1 c. nuts
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves

Cook in three 9 inch layers at 350 degrees until toothpick comes out clean, (45 to 50 minutes).

ICING:

Juice of 2 oranges and grated peel
Juice of 2 lemons and grated peel
4 tbsp. cornstarch
2 c. sugar
1 c. boiling water
2-3 c. coconut

Combine all ingredients except coconut and cook until thick. Add coconut and cool. Spread between layers and on top. Decorate with green and red cherries.

This cake does not need to be made several weeks ahead of time. This recipe is over sixty years old.