| Grease bottom of 10-inch tube pan; line bottom of pan
with wax paper. Grease and flour wax paper and sides of pan. Combine
applesauce and baking soda; set aside. Combine raisins, dates and
pecans; set aside. Beat shortening in a bowl at medium speed with
mixer until fluffy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add eggs, one at
a time, beating until blended after each addition. Combine flour,
cocoa, salt, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg; add 1/2 cup flour mixture to
raisin mixture, tossing gently to coat. Gradually add remaining flour
mixture, mixing well. Add applesauce mixture and raisin mixture; stir
in vanilla. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 30
minutes. Reduce temperature to 325° and bake 20 additional minutes.
Cool in pan on a wire rack 10-15 minutes. Remove from pan and cool
completely.
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