BOILED DARK FRUIT CAKE

2 c. sugar
1 c. butter
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. cloves
Pinch of salt
3 1/2 c. water
1 lb. dark raisins
1/2 c. sherry
1 lb. candied fruits
1 c. nut meats (optional)
4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda

Boil first 7 ingredients together for 15 minutes. Let cool. (Makes your house smell wonderful.) Add sherry, candied fruits, and nut meats to cooled mixture. Sift together flour and baking soda 3 times. Now alternately mix a portion of dry and wet mixtures together (about 5 mixings). Do not beat; just fold together gently until flour is totally assimulated.

Grease two 9x5x3 inch loaf pans (aluminum pans can be used). Transfer equal portions of batter to pans. Decorate top with nuts and candied cherries, if desired. Bake approximately 1 hour at 375 degrees or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool.

Remove from pans. Sprinkle with sherry. Wrap in aluminum foil and store 2 weeks in cool place. Freezes well. An easy to make, excellent moist tasty fruit cake. Makes a nice gift wrapped in tissue and tied with ribbon.