3 c. raisins
2 c. water
2 c. shortening
1 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg & allspice
2 c. sugar
3 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 tsp. (scant) baking powder
5 c. flour
1 c. chopped nuts

Boil raisins and water for 5 minutes, then cool. Add soda when cool. Blend shortening with sugar, spices, eggs and vanilla. Add cooled raisins to mixture. Add flour and baking powder. Mix well, stir in nuts. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes. (I left out one main ingredients, but it's one that only my mom had, she had a very special touch that made every thing she cooked a little extra special, Dorothy.)