Dry ingredients: mix together

5 cups sifted flour (set 1 cup aside)
3 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground allspice
4 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt

Fruit and nuts:

1 box raisins
8 oz dried currents
1 lb walnuts
1 lb pecans
1 lb dates
2 lb mixed candied fruit

Wet ingredients:

1 cup shortening
2 cups dark brown sugar
4 beaten eggs
1 small can 15 -16 oz applesauce
2/3 cup dark molasses
1/3 cup lemon juice

Method:

Cream the shortening and add the brown sugar, eggs, applesauce, molasses and lemon juice.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet along with the fruit and nuts and mix well.

The baking can be done in disposable aluminum pans greased and lined with waxed paper and measuring about 3 3/4" X 6 1/4" X 2" deep but even angel food pans can be used. Fill pans about 3/4 full. Bake for 2 hours in a preheated 250 degree oven. ~ William Lavris

Finished product, from the FAOL test kitchen. And it was terrific right out of the oven.

Publisher's Note: My Brit neighbor tells me this should be made immediately so it has time to "marry/ripen." ~ DLB