Gumdrop Bread

1 cup shortening
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups applesauce
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cloves
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups walnuts
2 pounds spiced gumdrops, cut in half (omit black)

In a large bowl, cream together shortening, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, vanilla extract and applesauce.

In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves.

In a medium bowl, combine the second 2 cups flour, walnuts and gumdrops.

Combine the wet mixture and the flour, salt, baking soda and spices mixture; mix well. Add the flour/walnuts/gumdrops mixture and stir to combine. Pour into 3 greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour.

Reduce heat to 250 degrees F and bake 30 minutes more or until a wooden pick in center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Cool 10 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely.

Yield: 3 loaves