1 box raisins
1 box brown sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt
1 c. nuts, optional

In very large pot: Pour 3 cups boiling water over all above ingredients and boil for 5 minutes. Dissolve 2 teaspoons baking soda in 1/2 cup boiling water (be careful, this will bubble up so you need large container). Add to mixture and cool.

Add 3 1/2 cups flour and pour into greased loaf pans. Bake at 300 degrees for 60 minutes. Makes 2 loaves.