Fruit Cake For The Holiday - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp. cloves
20 to 25 dates, cut up
2 eggs
3 c. flour
1 small jar candied cherries
2 c. cold water
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 c. chopped nuts
1 heaping tsp. baking soda, in 1/3 c. boiling water

Preparation

Boil the sugar, shortening, spices, salt, dates and raisins for 15 minutes.
When cooled, add eggs, soda (dissolved in boiling water), flour, mixed fruit, cherries and nuts.
The mixture will be stiff (I use my clean hands).
Bake in greased pan in a 325\u00b0 oven for about 1 1/2 hours.
(I add a little brandy or rum.)