HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

Remember the "Axis of Evil"? Well, even with Saddam out of the picture, there are still two members who are up to no good, and there is obviously a career opening in the Axis that could be filled by any number of thugs currently operating on the world stage (I vote for that scary clown Hugo Chavez).

The good news is that one of the career psychopaths of the Axis is holding onto power by a thread, and that he may actually be on his way out...but the bad news is that he'll likely be replaced by someone even more malignant and nutty if the Mullahs have anything to say about it (and they do).

And, when it comes to the other remaining member of this exclusive club, Kim Jong Il and North Korea, well recent events suggest that we should never turn our eyes away from the fruitcake who operates on the Asian side of the Axis.

So, this Thanksgiving, it seems appropriate to re-post the recipe for "AXIS OF EVIL FRUITCAKE" in "honor" of those who always seem to be plotting world domination...

Handled properly, of course, a variety of candied fruits and nuts can made into a very delicious (and relatively benign) holiday treat; but you have to forcefully stir the batter and cook it it is fully baked (as opposed to half-baked).

"AXIS OF EVIL FRUITCAKE"

1 C sugar
1/2 C butter, melted
1 egg
pinch of salt
1 1/2 C applesauce
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t cloves
1/2 t nutmeg
2 t baking soda
2 C flour
1 1/2 C golden raisins
1 C currants
1 C candied fruit mix for fruitcake
1 C pecans
1 C red candied cherries for fruitcake (one small container)
1 C candied pineapple chunks for fruitcake (1 small container)

Blend ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into 2 or 3 loaf pans (depending on the size of the pan) lined with wax paper. Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour, or until knife inserted in middle comes out clean. Let cool completely. Refrigerate for a day or two before serving. Can be frozen, too. Wrap well in foil and ziploc bags and store in the refrigerator or freezer. You can spike it with brandy, but the applesauce base keeps it moist.

Enjoy, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING !