POOR MAN'S FRUITCAKE

Ingredients:

3 cups seedless raisins

2 cups boiling water

1 cup molasses

2/3 cup shortening

1 cup white or brown sugar

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1/4 tsp nutmeg

3 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 cup buttermilk or sour milk

2 tsp vanilla

Cloves are optional

Directions:

Bring raisins and water to a boil and continue boiling until water is reduced to a few tablespoons. Add molasses, shortening, nuts, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Boil gently for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, add flour a bit at a time, alternating with remaining ingredients. Grease two 9 inch loaf pans and line with waxed paper. Bake at 325F for 60 to 70 minutes. Let cool on cake rack