Boil 1 pound raisins in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Cool slightly. Add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 cup of cold water. Set aside.

Cream 3/4 cup of butter, with 2 cups sugar. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 eggs

Sift together 4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Add alternately with raisin mixture by hand.

Add 1 cup nut and coconut if desired. Makes one large cake. Bake approximately 1 hour at 350 degrees. I bake mine in Bundt pan.