This is so good, and not the kind of fruitcake that usually comes to mind. It contains no candied fruit, so is good for people like me who abhor the stuff but still want to share in the cakes!

remember how long this takes... 15 minutes or so? watch it like a hawk and stir occasionally. It will change consistency a bit, kind of lumpy. But it smells wonderful. And if there's any leftover, it makes the Best gravy for roast beef.

Cream lard and sugar, beat in molasses. Mix coffee and soda, stir into previous mixture. Combine the raisins and the currants. Stir in 1 c. Of the browned flour. Stir in remaining 2 cups of flour and salt into first mixture. Then stir in dried fruit/flour mixture.

Grease two bread pans (standard size). Line with brown grocery sack/ mailing paper, and grease again. Pour in batter.

Bake in a slow oven, about 275 degrees til baked, about an hour. Cover with brown paper toward end of baking if it gets too dark on top.

Cool in pan. Keep well wrapped. Enjoy!!!