Pour 2 cups boiling water over 2 cups raisins and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool. Then add:

3 tbsp. baking soda

Set aside.

1 c. sugar
3 tbsp. shortening
3 eggs
3 c. flour
3 tbsp. molasses
1/2 tsp. salt
3 tsp. vanilla
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Grease and flour very well 6 (#303) cans or (#2) cans - add raisin mixture to other mixture and fill cans only 1/2 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Run knife around if needed to remove from can while still hot. Let cool and wrap in Saran and foil - you may freeze these for later use.