2 c. boiling water
3 c. seedless raisins
4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 c. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
Dash of salt
4 c. flour
1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease six (1 lb. 4 oz.) cans and dust bottoms with flour. Mix water, raisins, and baking powder and let sit until cool (raisins plump up).

In another bowl, mix shortening, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in salt, flour, and raisin mixture. Blend well. Stir in walnuts. Pour batter into tin cans filling 1/2 full. (Fills to top during baking). Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 45-60 minutes. Cool before removing from cans. Makes 6 small loaves.