A/N: Apparently it is difficult to determine when the fruitcake became the misaligned holiday dessert. Some think the ridicule started with The Tonight Show hosted by Johnny Carson in the '60s. Possibly it began earlier when mail-order fruitcakes became available in 1913. A good fruitcake requires a bread base, alcohol, and fruits and/or nuts. It must be dense and moist and delicious.
Prompt from cjnwriter: Holmes passes off a fruitcake on Lestrade
Watson hung up his coat. "The expression on Lestrade's face was priceless!"
The detective smiled. "Yes, he was surprised. Yet, it was the only solution to fit all the facts. I'm afraid drink ruined the baker. He took to smuggling jewels inside his pastries to finance his habit."
"A nut case," Watson commented. "He couldn't tell the difference between his rolls."
Holmes' gaze landed on Mrs Hudson's fruitcake. "A nutty bread baker full of fruity spice and brandy… we've passed off a real fruitcake to Lestrade."
"Fair point," Watson laughed. "We should also pass off a more traditional version of the holiday bread to Lestrade once he finishes booking the first one. One more palatable."