CHEF JEFF -- ONE BYTE AT A TIME: No-Bake Fruitcake

Not all holiday favorites need to be time-consuming.

No-Bake Fruitcake

1 16-ounce box graham crackers

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup raisins, chopped dates and/or other dried fruit

2 cups candied or dried fruit

1 7½-ounce jar marshmallow cream

½ cup milk

2 tablespoons dark corn syrup

Roll crackers to fine crumbs. Blend crumbs with cinnamon, cloves, nuts and fruits. In large mixing bowl, blend marshmallow creme and milk on medium speed of electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until moistened. Press firmly into wax paper-lined, 8½-inch loaf pan. Refrigerate at least 2 days. In small saucepan, heat corn syrup and 1 tablespoon water just to a rolling boil. Cool to lukewarm and spread over fruitcake. Garnish with fruits and nuts as desired.

Yield: Serves 12.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.