1 1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 c. water
1 c. raisins
1/3 c. shortening
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 c. flour
3 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

In saucepan combine first 8 ingredients. Bring to boil; boil together for 5 minutes. Cool. Sift flour and baking soda together and add to cooled mixture. Blend in vanilla. Pour into greased cupcake tins and bake at 375 degrees for 18 minute. Cool and frost with chocolate frosting.