2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 c. shortening
2 c. applesauce
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 eggs
1 c. chopped dates or raisins
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Put your flour sifter in your mixer bowl and dip into it the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. Sift them into the bowl, then add applesauce and shortening. Mix 2 minutes at medium speed, stopping once to scrape down bowl and beaters with rubber spatula. Add eggs, unbeaten and mix 2 minutes longer at medium speed. Fold in dates (or raisins) and nuts and turn into a greased pan. Bake 50 minutes or until done at 350 degrees. Cool on rack and frost with any butter cream frosting.