Chop Suey Loaf

Makes 1 loaf.

2 tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup granulated sugar
2 cups flour, sifted
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Juice of 1 orange plus water to make 3/4 cup liquid
1/2 cup chopped raisins
1/2 cup chopped candied cherries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a loaf pan.

Cream the shortening until fluffy. Add sugar and cream. Add beaten egg and vanilla extract.

Sift together dry ingredients. Add alternately with liquid to egg mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir - do not beat. Add fruit and nuts. Spoon into prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 1/4 hours.

TIPS: Dust the fruit and nuts before adding them. This keeps them distributed throughout the batter.

When the loaf is cool, you can drizzle it with a glaze made with confectioners' sugar and milk.