Golden Honey Pecan Bread

 
    INGREDIENTS ------------------------------------------------------------
 
       3/4      cup   pecans - chopped
       1        cup   golden raisins
       1/2      cup   margarine
       1/2      cup   sugar - granulated
       1              egg
       2 1/2    cup   flour - all-purpose, sifted
       1 1/2    tsp   baking soda
       1        tsp   salt
       1        tsp   cinnamon
       3/4      cup   honey
       1        cup   hot water
                      HONEY PECAN TOPPING:
       2        Tbsp  butter - melted
       1/4      cup   honey
       3/4      cup   pecans - chopped
 
    DIRECTIONS  ------------------------------------------------------------
 
        Chop pecans medium-fine. Cream shortening, sugar and egg together
    well.  Resift flour with baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Add to
    creamed mixture, along with honey; mix smooth.  Add pecans and
    raisins.  Stir in hot water quickly but thoroughly. Turn into a
    greased 9-inch square pan.  Bake at 325F for 35 to 40 minutes, just
    until bread tests done.
        Make honey pecan topping by combining two tablespoons melted
    butter, 1/4 cup honey and 3/4 cup chopped pecans.  Spoon Honey Pecan
    Topping over hot bread, spreading gently.  Broil about 8 inches from
    heat just until bubbly and lightly browned.
        Serve warm or cold.  Makes one 9-inch square bread.  I usually cut
    the bread in half to facilitate slicing and freeze the other half.