1 - 12 oz box raisins
2 c water
3/4 c brown sugar
3/4 c white sugar
1 tbsp lard
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 to 2 3/4 c flour
chopped nuts (optional)

Bring raisins, water, sugars, lard and cinnamon to a boil, turn heat down and boil for approximately 1 minute. Turn off and cool completely. Add baking soda, vanilla flour and nuts. Mix well.

Bake in a greased and floured 9 x 13 cake pan at 350°F for 30 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.