1 lb. raisins
2 cups boiling water
2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
2 cups sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
4 cups all-purpose flour
4 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt (optional)
1 to 2 cups nut pieces (optional)

Combine raisins, baking soda, boiling water and butter in large bowl. Stir until butter is melted. Cover and let sit overnight.

Add sugar and well-beaten eggs to raisin mix. Sift flour, cinnamon, and salt; add to mix and stir. Add nuts, if desired; stir just till incorporated into batter.

Bake in greased and floured loaf pans at 350°F for 1 hour. Cool on racks before removing from pans.

Great toasted with butter on a cold morning!

Submitted by: Colleen Swartz