FRUITCAKE: A LOVE STORY

The Post-Standard HEADLINE: Fruitcake: a love story Wednesday, December 28, 2005 Who knew so many of you actually like - make that love - fruitcake, and would never dream of using one as a doorstop, a weight for the swimming pool cover or a weapon to fend off an intruder?  We didn't, until we wrote about the holiday treat (or scourge, depending on your perspective) earlier this month, and promised to give away an Original DeLuxe Fruitcake from Collin Street Bakery, of Corsicana, Texas, in time for the holidays (retail value $49.45; www. collinstreet.com).  We received more than 70 letters and e-mails, some short and sweet, some long and passionate and some very direct. "I want that fruitcake," read a block-lettered note on one envelope. But there can only be one winner, and it is Megan Sollecito, of Baldwinsville. Her e-mail, signed "fruitfully yours, your nutty friend," describes a lifelong passion for fruitcake, shared by her husband, which they have managed to pass on to their two teenage children.  "This household hopes every year that my 81-year-old mother remembers to order a Collin  Street fruitcake for us in December," Sollecito wrote. "It doesn't hurt our feelings if you don't want to try it. That leaves more for us.  "We would be delighted to help you by taking your Collin Street Fruitcake off your hands. Is that one pictured hanging on the door still available?"  That fruitcake, shared here at the annual photo department holiday party, wasn't embraced with the same reverence and enthusiasm for fruitcake discovered in your letters. A taste of the responses follows.  From Hope Hookway, of Syracuse: "My brother, dad and I love fruitcake. Every year we hunt for it and each get our own. And the cheaper the better. I don't know why people complain about it so much. We love any kind."  From Dolores Bella, of Parish: "I would truly love to receive a fruitcake. I make them every year and savor them. My family just enjoys them very much. I can't imagine using it for a doorstop."  From the Rev. Charles Grover, of Chittenango: "Ooh. I am inordinately fond of fruitcake. And by my lights, the fruitcakes from Collin Street Bakery are the best! I have even been able to get them 'out of season' for my August birthday. If I win your fruitcake, every bit of it will be consumed with delight and appreciation."  From Johanna Kohler, of Syracuse: "As a kid growing up, I realized that fruitcake had to be an acquired taste, like artichokes and asparagus. It was too rich and heavy for me. My sister always and still loves it. She once suggested I try it again (yuck!), since I hadn't in years. Well! My tastes have matured, and it now has become a large part of everything connected to Christmas, like the scent of pine, our old, dusty ornaments and Santa's red painted mail sleigh for cards received.  "I now look forward to having a slice of that red and green cherried, sophisticated cake with my cup of tea and savor every bite. It's one of the things I think of when I hear the song, 'We need a little Christmas, right this very minute. . .' "  From Jim Corl Sr., of Cicero: "I love fruitcake. It may be embarrassing for some to speak such words, but I want everybody to know . . . I LOVE FRUITCAKE!!! What other cake gives you a spiced mix of sweet candied fruit, walnuts and a heavy dose of brandy? Maybe the brandy is the reason I love fruitcake.  "My family (including the dog) hates fruitcakes. That makes me a very lucky man . . . no need to share my favorite cake with anyone. The family laughs at me because of the way I care for my beloved fruitcakes. I keep them carefully wrapped like a piece of expensive jewelry or crystal and ration it with the hopes it will last forever. When I eat the last piece, it almost makes me cry."