8 c. plain flour
2 pkg. yeast
2 c. scalded milk
2/3 c. sugar
2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. shortening or oil
1/4 c. warm water
2 eggs (I don't use them)
3/4 c. red crystal cherries
3/4 c. green crystal cherries
1 1/4 (or more) dark or white raisins
1 1/2 (or more) c. chopped pecans

Place yeast, warm water, sugar, salt, shortening or oil together. Let stand until it bubbles. Add the WARM milk and flour (1/4 of each) at a time. Mix well after each addition. Add all fruit and nuts before the last half of milk and flour. Mix well.

Put on your floured cloth or board. Knead well.

Grease two bread pans. If you have more dough than 2 pans, of course, use more pans. Let rise in a JUST warm oven until double.

Bake at 325 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Be sure to grease top and bottom of bread. When done, I wrap mine in foil to soften. Butter top first.