Yes to both! You'll want to use some sort of dried fruit to help preserve the cake, but it's fine if they aren't candied. I often forego the candied fruit altogether in favor of nice-quality dried fruit, like raisins and dried tart cherries and dried cranberries and apricot, then add a generous amount of dried ginger as well. Just be sure you're using the same amount of dried/candied fruit as the recipe calls for. Good luck! -Posie

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