1 lb. raisins
1/2 c. lard
2 c. white sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
4 c. flour
1 scant tbsp. baking soda
1 c. nuts (optional)

Pour 2 cups boiling water over 1 pound washed raisins and boil 15 minutes. Remove from stove and add 1 cup cold water. Grease and flour tube pan. Mix lard and sugar. Add dry ingredients and raisins. Bake in moderate oven 1 1/2 to 2 hours.