1 lb. box raisins
3 1/2 c. water
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening (or butter)
5 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
2 tsp. baking soda

Simmer 1 box raisins, 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Add 1 cup cold water. Mix together 2 cups sugar and 1 cup shortening. Mix well. Add raisins and 5 cups flour alternately. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Dissolve 2 tsp. baking soda in 1/2 cup water and add to mixture. Bake in greased loaf pans (2) at 325 degrees for 1 hour. Test with a fork.