1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 c. white sugar
1 c. shortening (Crisco)
1 1/2 c. water (hot or cold)
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. allspice
3 beaten eggs
1 sm. jar maraschino cherries & juice, quartered
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour, sifted
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. cut up dates
1 c. walnuts, chopped
1 c. raisins

In saucepan, combine sugars, shortening, water and spices, boil 3 minutes and then cool.

In a large bowl add eggs, cooled sugar mixture, cherries and juice, vanilla, flour with soda, dates and walnuts and raisins; mix well. Bake in 3 bread tins at 350 degrees for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.