2 c. raisins
2 1/2 c. boiling water
2 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 c. sugar
4 c. flour
3 eggs
1 tbsp. shortening
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vanilla

Soak raisins, soda, and boiling water overnight or at least 3 hours. Mix all ingredients into raisin mixture. (Optional: 1 cup nuts.) Makes 5 medium cans. Bake 1 hour at 325 degrees. Use gold-lined cans.