2 c. raisins
2 tsp. baking soda
3 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. boiling water
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts (or more)
1/2 c. raisins, dates or dried apricots, (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour boiling water and baking soda over raisins in bowl and set aside to cool. mix sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla together in large bowl or mixer. Add raisins and water. Fold in nuts. Grease medium sized cans (soup cans are a good size) or small loaf pans with butter and fill 1/2 way with batter. Bake until brown (3/4 hour to 1 hour). Remove from oven and cool. Open bottom end of cans, and push bread out. Serve with cream cheese.