1 1/2 c. chopped, pitted dates
1 1/2 c. seedless raisins
1 stick butter
2 c. water
2 c. sugar

Cook in 3 quart saucepan until thick, stir occasionally about 20 minutes over medium heat. Cool. Then add right in your saucepan:

3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. ground cloves
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. chopped walnuts, optional
1 c. candied fruits, optional

Place in 2 pans. For nice topping, I put red and green maraschino cherries and half pieces of walnuts on top. Cool in pans about 5 minutes, then take out of pan. When completely cooled, wrap in aluminum foil and store in a tight container like tupperware. Store in a cool place. Does not need to be refrigerated. Stays nice and moist if you can keep it for 6 months. Nice to have on hand for unexpected company or to give as a gift.