1 c. dark brown sugar
1 1/4 c. plus 2 tsp. water
1/3 c. vegetable shortening
2 c. raisins
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt (or to taste)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder

In saucepan, mix sugar, 1 1/4 cups water, shortening, raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves. Boil 3 minutes. Cool. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Dissolve salt and soda in 2 teaspoons water. Add to mixture. Blend in flour mixed with baking powder. Pour into greased and floured 8 inch square pan. Bake for about 50 minutes.