1 (14 oz.) pkg. date bar mix
2/3 c. hot water
3 eggs
1/4 c. flour
2 tbsp. molasses
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. nuts
1 c. raisins
1 (8 oz.) pkg. cherries
1/2 c. rum flavoring

Combine cherries and raisins in bowl; add 1/3 cup rum flavoring. Cover and let stand overnight.

Heat oven to 325 degrees. In large bowl, stir together date filling and water. Add crumbly mix from Date bar. Mix eggs, flour, molasses and spices. Blend thoroughly. Fold in nuts and drained raisins and cherries. Pour into greased and floured pan. Bake 1 hour and 25 minutes. Cool thoroughly. Wrap in cheesecloth, which has been soaked in 2 tbsp. rum.