Eggless Fruitcake

2 cups sugar
2 cups water
� cup shortening
1 cup raisins
1 cup nuts
1 cup dates, cut up
1 pound mixed candied fruit
3� cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon cloves
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
� teaspoon salt

Put sugar, water, shortening, fruit and spices together in a large sauce pan and cook for five minutes. Let cool a little. Add soda dissolved in a little hot water. Let mixture cool more. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt and add to cooled mixture. Add nuts and beat well. Bake in a slow oven 45 to 50 minutes or until done. This makes a large ten inch angel food pan cake and will keep good.