2 c. water
6 c. Bran
1 c. shortening
2 1/3 c. sugar
4 eggs
1 qt. buttermilk
5 c. flour
5 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
Nuts, dates or raisins, optional

Pour 2 cups water over 2 cups Bran. Let stand. Cream 1 cup shortening and 2 1/3 cups sugar. Add 4 eggs. Beat until fluffy.

Add 1 quart buttermilk and 4 cups more Bran. Mix with above mixture of water and Bran.

Sift together 5 cups flour, 5 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. salt. Add to previous mixture.

Fold in 1/2 lb. dates or raisins and nuts, optional. Bake 350 degrees 20-25 minutes. Batter will keep 8 weeks in refrigerator in covered Tupperware.