Applesauce treasure loaf

1. Beat shortening and sugar together until creamy.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Sifti together 2 cups of the flour, baking powder, soda, salt and spices.
4. Add alternately with applesauce to creamed mixture; blend well.
5. Stiri in oats.
6. Combine remaining ½ cup flour with raisins, dates, cherries and nutmeats; stir to coat fruits and nutmeats evenly with flour.
7. Stir into batter.
8. Pour into 2 greased and waxed paper-lined 8-½" x 4-½" x 2-½" loaf pans.
9. Bakei in preheated very slow oven (275°F).
10. About 2 hours.
11. Set pan of hot water in bottom of oven while loaves are baking.
12. Loosen edges; cool on wire rack about 10 minutes.
13. Remove from pans; cool thoroughly.
14. Wrap cooled bread and store one day before slicing.