Boil 1 cup raisins in 2 cups cold water until only 1 cup of liquid remains.
Cream 2 tablespoons shortening with 1 cup sugar.
Add
2 cups flour
1 tsp each baking soada, baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tsp cinnamon
other spices to taste (cloves, nutmeg)
Combine with liquid and raisins.
Nuts, dates, candied frult may be added.
Bake at 350 degrees (depends on pans, I make small loaves–takes 45 minutes to an hour).
I make 4 times this recipe at Holiday time (all at once)