1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup soft shortening
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups applesauce
1 cup raisins or dates
3/4 cup nuts (optional)
Cream shortening and sugar together. Sift rest of dry ingredients together. Toss nuts and fruit in dry ingredients. Add eggs to shortening-sugar mixture. Beat at slow speed. Add flour and applesauce alternately, beating only until well blended. Pour into 13" x 9" pan that has been greased and floured. Bake at 350° for 50 minutes.