Prairie Fruitcake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 c. shortening
1 c. white sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 c. applesauce
1-1/2 tsp. baking soda
1-1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice
generous dash of nutmeg
2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour, sifted
1/2 c. water
1/2 to 1 c. walnuts, chopped
3/4 to 1 c. dried fruit (see note)
1 c. chocolate chips, optional
1/2 c. brown sugar (for topping)

Preparation

Cream together the first four ingredients. Mix in the applesauce. Add the baking soda, salt and spices. Blend in the flour and the water. Stir in remaining ingredients, except extra brown sugar. Grease and flour a 9 x 13 inch pan. Pour batter into pan and top with brown sugar. Bake at 350\u00b0 for 45 minutes or until cake tests done with a toothpick.