Fruit & Nut Brown Bread

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 325F Grease the insides of cans well.
2. 2
   Combine chopped cherries and baking soda in a bowl.
3. 3
   Pour in boiling water and let stand 5 minutes.
4. 4
   Combine sugar, shortening and eggs in a large bowl.
5. 5
   Using a mixer, beat at medium-high speed until creamy.
6. 6
   Add salt, molasses, the cherry mixture and flour and stir until well blended.
7. 7
   Add nuts and raisins; mix well.
8. 8
   Fill cans about two-thirds full with batter.
9. 9
   Bake about 1 hour, or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. 10
    Cool in cans on a wire rack 15 minutes.
11. 11
    Remove bread from can and place on wire rack to cook completely.