Boiled Cake ( Poor Man's Fruitcake)

From Mr. Donlin at Madison Middle School.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 24-30
• Yields: 4 loaves

Ingredients

• 2  cups sugar
• 1  cup shortening (Crisco)
• 1 -2  lb raisins (and or 1 lb. diced dates)
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  cups boiling water (1/2 cup brandy can be used)
• 4  cups flour
• 1  teaspoon baking soda
• 1  teaspoon allspice
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1  teaspoon nutmeg
• 1  cup walnuts (coarsely chopped)

Directions

1. Boil sugar, shortening, raisins, salt, and water (do not boil dates). Add dry ingredients, dates and walnuts to the boiled mixture. Bake at 325* in (2) 8"x8"x2" pans or in (1) 13"x9"x2" pan for 60-75 minutes. Allow to cool and divide into 4 "loaves". Wrap well and store. Serve sliced and plain or with hard sauce. This cake will stay moist for many months, but keeps best when moistened with rum or brandy.