Brown Bread

3 Tbsp. shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 cup raisins
2 tsp. soda
2 cups boiling water
4 cups flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped nuts

Cut up fruit and sprinkle soda over it. Add boiling water and let stand until other ingredients are mixed. Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs, flour, salt and vanilla. Beat all together thoroughly and add nuts last. Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees.