1 1/2 cups brown or white sugar
1/2 teaspoon cloves, allspice or mace
2 cups hot water
1/2 pkg raisins
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons shortening (butter or Crisco)

Combine the above ingredients and boil for 5 minutes. Let mixture cool, then add:

3 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda

Preheat oven to 350°F. Turn batter out into a 9" tube or Bundt pan or an 8" square cake pan that has been greased and floured.

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour. Allow to cool before frosting with white, lemon or vanilla frosting or use White Frosting; see below.

White Frosting:

1/2 stick butter
3 cups confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons water or milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla or lemon flavoring

Heat butter in milk or water, add to sugar and flavoring. Beat until smooth. Frost top and sides of cake.