In a separate dish, add 6 level teaspoons of soda to 4 1/2 cups of applesauce.

Cream together:

4 1/2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. shortening
6 eggs

In another dish put:

7 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. chopped walnuts
3 c. raisins
3 tbsp. cocoa
3 tsp. cinnamon
3 tsp. cloves
3 tsp. allspice
3 tsp. nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp. salt

Put all ingredients together and mix well. Bake 60 minutes at 350 degrees.

For fruitcake, add candied red and green cherries, currants, dates and sometimes candied pineapple or just add candied fruit mix for a short cut.

Grease and flour 5 or 6 loaf tins or completely line with aluminum foil.