Election Cake, a Forgotten American Tradition

INGREDIENTS

2/3 cup

warm water (105 to 115°F)

packages of active dry yeast (1/4 ounce)

4 cups

all purpose flour

1 tsp

baking powder

2 tsp

cinnamon

1/2 tsp

salt

1/2 tsp

ground ginger

1/4 tsp

nutmeg

1 cup

unsalted butter, softened

large eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups

firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup

buttermilk

1 tbsp

vanilla

1 cup

golden raisins

1/4 cup

finely chopped dried cherries (use figs for the original recipe, or any dried fruit that you prefer)

1 cup

confectioners sugar

2 tbsp

whisky

1/2 tsp

vanilla