Pour 2 cups warm water over 1 1/2 cups raisins. Let set. Beat 2 eggs; add 2 cups white sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 3 teaspoons baking soda. Then add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) and 4 cups flour.

Grease 8 gold-lined cans (the kind peas and corn come in). Fill about half full. Bake at 350 degrees for about 1 hour. Cool.