World War 1 Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 cups white sugar
4 cups raisins
1 cup shortening
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon clove
1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons allspice
1 tablespoon salt
6 cups flour
1 cup currants
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup cherries, cut in half (green and red mixed)

Preparation

In the evening, mix together the first 9 ingredients in a large pot. Bring 4 cups water to a boiling point. Pour hot water over mixture and boil for 5 minutes. Let stand overnight to cool.
Next morning, sift together twice the flour and baking soda, and stir into cold mixture. Add currants and cherries. Pour into 4 loaf pans, and bake at 325F for about 1 1/2 hours.
Cool completely, then wrap in foilwrap.