1 c. butter
2 c. sugar (part brown sugar, if desired)
4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda, dissolved in 1 tbsp. hot water
1 lb. raisins
2 lbs. gum drops, diced (no black ones)
1 c. pecans or walnuts, chopped, fried in butter

Cream butter and sugar. Add beaten eggs. Add alternately: applesauce and flour. Stir in soda and vanilla. Fold in raisins, nuts and gum drops. Bake 25 to 30 minutes in 350 to 375 degree oven.