Gumdrop Cake

This is a very easy and colorful Christmas cake. It can also serve as a beautiful centerpiece dessert for a Christmas buffet.

Makes 10 servings.

1 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon lemon extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup gumdrops, chopped
1 cup raisins
1/4 cup all-purpose flour for coating

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.

In a separate bowl, sift dry ingredients together and fold into creamed mixture alternately with water. Coat raisins and gumdrops with flour. Stir flavorings, gumdrops and raisins into creamed mixture. Mix well and pour into prepared pan. Bake for 1 1/2 hours.