Christmas Fruit Cake
["2 Tbsp. butter", "1 c. brown sugar", "2 eggs", "1 Tbsp. soda in 1 c. boiling water poured over 1 lb. cut up dates", "1 tsp. salt", "1 1/2 c. flour", "1/4 candied fruit (mixed)", "1 c. nut meats, chopped", "1/2 c. raisins", "4 c. eggplant, peeled and cut into small pieces (about 1/2-inch cubes)", "88 single saltine cracker squares or 2 individual packs saltines, broken into crumbs", "1 tsp. salt", "1/2 tsp. black pepper", "1 stick butter", "1 pt. half and half (approximate)", "1 or 2 qt. rum", "1 c. butter", "1 tsp. sugar", "2 large eggs", "1 c. dried fruit", "baking powder", "1 tsp. soda", "lemon juice", "brown sugar", "nuts"]
["Before you start, sample the rum to check for quality.", "Good isn't it?", "Now go ahead.", "Select a large mixing bowl, measuring cup, etc.", "Check rum again.", "It must be just right.", "To be sure rum is of highest quality, pour 1 level cup of rum into a glass and drink it as fast as you can.", "Repeat!", "With an electric mixer, beat 1 cup butter in a large fluffy bowl.", "Add 1 seaspoon of thugar and beat again."]
["butter", "brown sugar", "eggs", "soda", "salt", "flour", "candied fruit", "nut meats", "raisins", "eggplant", "saltines", "salt", "black pepper", "butter", "rum", "butter", "sugar", "eggs", "baking powder", "soda", "lemon juice", "brown sugar", "nuts"]