Applesauce Cake

I remember my mom made this cake quite a bit, but especially for Christmas Eve. It was one of her brother's favorites and she always made it special for Christmas by adding maraschino cherries in red and green and black walnuts. It was somewhat like a fruit cake but a whole lot better.

1 1/2 cups applesauce
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. soda in applesauce
1 tsp. each cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg
3/4 cup nuts
1 cup raisins (cooked )
Mix in order given and bake in loaf pan in 375 degree oven until tested done by inserting toothpick in middle. She always frosted it with caramel frosting.