2 c. sugar
3/4 c. shortening
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
2 c. water
1 c. raisins
1 c. currants
1 c. chopped dates
1/2 c. glazed cherries, halved
3 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans

In a large pan combine all ingredients on left side; bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from stove and add 1 teaspoon of soda to about 2 or 3 tablespoons of boiling water. Mixture should foam when this is added. Stir gently and set aside to cool a little. To the slightly cooled mixture add the flour, baking powder, salt and nuts. Stir well with large spoon and pour into a greased, floured tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Test with a toothpick before removing. Ovens vary and may have to cook a little longer.

This is very old recipe. It served us well in good times and bad, during the depression when we felt lucky to have just some raisins, we enjoyed this cake and since we didn't like citrus anyway it really was appreciated. We still bake this cake during the winter because it's quick and easy and still good.