Fruitcake (Native American)

Though the name comes from the Cree Nation, many Native Americans have used this classic recipe to keep their energy up on long journeys.

4 cups lean meat
3 cups dried fruit
2 cups rendered fat
unsalted nuts
dash pure honey

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4).

Lean meat can be deer, beef, caribou or moose. Spread whichever you have available out on a cookie sheet and dry in the oven for at least eight hours, or until crispy.

Once it’s cooled, pound it into a powder-like consistency and grind the dry fruit.

Heat the rendered fat until it becomes a liquid, then pour over the dried meat and fruit and mix in the nuts and honey as well. Mix and slice into portions, then store in a cool, dry place.