2 c. water
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. raisins or dates
2 tbsp. Crisco
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
4 c. flour
1 c. nuts, chopped

Combine water, soda and raisins and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Add remaining ingredients. Batter will be heavy. Fill greased tin cans (soup, vegetable, etc.) 1/2 full. Place cans on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for one hour or until golden brown. Let bread stand in cans for 10 minutes and then tip over and shake out. Slice and spread with cream cheese or butter.