MOTHER'S FRUIT CAKE

MOTHER'S FRUIT CAKE

2 1/2 c. applesauce, hot

4 level tsp. soda
2 sticks butter or margarine
2 c. brown sugar
4 c. sifted flour
1 Tbsp. cloves
1 Tbsp. allspice
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 Tbsp. nutmeg
1 lb. raisins, chopped
1 1/2 lb. mixed fruit
1/4 or 1/2 lb. candied cherries
1 or 1 1/2 lb. nuts, chopped

Stir soda into hot applesauce; let cool. Make a batter of 2 sticks butter or margarine and 2 cups brown sugar. Add applesauce to batter; add flour and spices. Dredge fruit and nuts in flour and add to batter.

Mother saved some of the fruit and nuts (not chopped) to decorate top of cake. Bake in a slow 300 degrees to 325 degrees oven for 2 1/2 hours.