Fruit Cake

Ingredients

• 2 c. boiling water
• 1 box seeded raisins
• 1/2 c. shortening
• 2 c. brown sugar
• 1 c. cold water, cold coffee or fruit juice
• 1 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cinnamon
• 5 c. flour
• 1 Tbsp. soda, dissolved in 3 Tbsp. hot water
• 2 lb. Brazil nuts
• 4 rings candied pineapple
• 1/2 lb. candied cherries (some red, some green)
• 1/2 lb. dates
• 1/4 lb. figs
• 1 c. white raisins
• 1/2 lb. apricots, soaked in water until plump