Excellent holiday fruitcake

1 lb Raisins
  1 1/3 c  Water
  1 1/2 c  Sugar
    1/4 c  Shortening
  2 1/2 c  flour
      1 ts Salt
    1/2 ts Cloves, ground
    1/2 ts Nutmeg, ground
    1/2 ts Allspice
      1 ts Cinnamon
      1 ts Baking soda
      1 ts baking powder
      1 ts Salt
    1/2 c  Chopped walnuts
      1 lb Holiday fruit
      2    Eggs
 
  1. In a medium sized saucepan, combine the sugar, raisins and water, and
  bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes. (Note, you may substitute 3/4 cup
  light brown sugar and 3/4 cup granulated sugar; you may also substitute 1
  cup of water and 1/3 cup light rum).
  
  2. Meanwhile, while the raisin mixture is boiling, add 1/4 cup short-
  ening.
  
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, spices, soda and powder. Mix
  well, and add the holiday fruit and nuts.
  
  4. In a small bowl, beat the eggs well. When the raisin mixture has boiled
  for 5 minutes, QUICKLY add the egg mixture to the raisin mixture and then
  QUICKLY add all to the flour mixture and blend well.
  
  5. Pour into a lightly greased tube pan and bake at 300F for 1 1/2 hours.
  
  6. Cool completely.
  
  Source: Linda Fields, Cyberealm BBS Watertown NY Typed for you by: Linda
  Fields, Cyberealm BBS, Watertown, NY 1993 315-785-8098 or 315-786-1120