4 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 1/2 lb. gumdrops, cut in pieces (omit black ones)
1 lb. white raisins
1 c. chopped nuts, browned in butter
1 c. shortening
1 3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. hot water
1 1/2 c. sweetened applesauce
1 tsp. vanilla

Sift together the flour, spices and salt. To half of this mixture, add gumdrops, raisins, and nuts, mixing well. Cream shortening and add sugar, gradually creaming well until blended. Add eggs, one at a time, to creamed mixture, beating well after each addition.

Dissolve soda in hot water. Add the remaining half of the dry ingredients alternately with applesauce and soda, stirring thoroughly. Stir in the floured gumdrops, raisins and nuts, blending thoroughly. Pour into greased waxed paper lined tube pan. Bake in a slow 300 degree oven for about 2 hours.