1 1/2 c. water
1 c. raisins or dates
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sugar
3 eggs
1 c. Crisco oil
3 c. flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. chopped nuts

Bring water and raisins or dates to a boil in a pot. Immediately add baking soda. Then set aside to cool. Add rest of ingredients one at a time. Mix ingredients, then add the water and raisin mixture a little at a time. Mixture will be thin and watery. Don't panic, that's the way it's supposed to look. Bake in a greased tube pan for about 50 minutes at 350 degrees or until toothpick comes out clean.