THE ABSOLUTE BEST WHITE CHRISTMAS FRUITCAKE

Steps:

• Place the orange peel, currants, raisins, cherries and chopped candied pineapple in a large bowl.
• Pour the orange juice over the fruit and let sit for 24 hours, mixing/tossing a couple times during the 24 hours period.
• Line bottom of one 9 x 5-inch AND two 3 x 8-inch loaf pans with parchment paper or two sheets of wax paper.
• Set oven to 275 degrees.
• Place a pan of cold water directly onto the bottom of your oven.
• In a large bowl cream butter with confectioners sugar until very smooth.
• Add in the egg yolks and almond or vanilla extract; beat until combined.
• Stir in the soaked fruit and the juice along with nuts.
• Using a wooden spoon stir in the flour.
• In a clean dry bowl beat the egg whites until firm peaks form; fold into the batter.
• Fill the large pan and the two smaller pans about two-thirds full.
• Bake for 2 to 2-1/2 hours or until golden brown, the smaller pans will take less time to bake (or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the middle).
• Let cool in pans on a rack.
• Remove cakes from pan; peel of parchment.