Dark Fruit Cake

• 2 c. water
• 2 c. sugar
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 1 tsp. cloves
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 c. Crisco
• 1 box raisins, plumped
• 1 small jar strawberry preserves (about 1/2 cup)
• candied cherries
• nuts (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 3 c. flour
• 3 tsp. baking soda

1. Combine all ingredients, except the flour, soda and eggs in a pot.
2. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 5 minutes.
3. Watch carefully and don't scorch.
4. Remove from stove and add 3 teaspoons of baking soda.
5. Cool mixture.
6. When cold, add 2 eggs (beaten) and the 3 cups of flour.
7. Add to greased loaf pans.
8. Makes 2 loaves. Bake at 325u0b0 until done.
9. This does cook slowly and can take more than 1 hour.
10. Test with toothpick for doneness.
11. Makes a moist cake.
12. Comes out more like a bread.

water, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt, crisco, raisins, strawberry preserves, candied cherries, nuts, eggs, flour, baking soda

Taken from www.cookbooks.com/Recipe-Details.aspx?id=254404 (may not work)