1 pkg. seedless raisins
2 1/4 c. water
1 lb. dates
4 tbsp. shortening
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
5 1/2 c. flour
4 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
22 Maraschino cherries
1 (No. 2) can crushed pineapple, 2 1/2 cups with juice
1 c. pecans, chopped

Boil raisins in the water, then simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Chop the dates. Mix together shortening, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat in flour, soda, and salt. Stir in by spoon the cherries, pineapple, juice and nuts. Add the dates and raisin mixture. Spoon into 3 large greased loaf pans. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.