4 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 lb. Crisco
1/2 lb. butter
1 lb. light brown sugar
1 c. nuts, crushed (opt.)
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp. baking soda
1 pt. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 or 2 drops orange, lemon & butter flavorings
1 c. raisins (opt.)

Soften raisins by boiling them in a small amount of water until water evaporates; set aside.

Combine flour, salt, Crisco, butter and sugar and work like for pie crust. Take 3/4 cup of this; set aside for topping. To the remainder, add the beaten eggs, the soda with a little buttermilk, the rest of the buttermilk and mix well. Add raisins and crushed nuts. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9"x5"x3" loaf pans. Top with topping.

Bake for 45 minutes or until browned at 375 degrees. Makes 2 coffee cakes. Freezes well.