1/2 c. white sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/4 c. plus 2 tsp. water, divided
1/2 c. solid vegetable shortening or lard
1 to 2 c. dates or raisins, chopped
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sifted flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 c. chopped nuts, if desired

In medium saucepan, combine white and brown sugar, 1 1/4 cups of the water, shortening or lard, dates or raisins, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Bring mixture to a boil and boil 3 minutes, remove from heat and cool.

Dissolve salt and baking soda in remaining 2 teaspoons water and add to sugar mixture. Mix flour and baking powder together and stir into sugar mixture until well blended. Stir in chopped nuts, if desired.

Pour batter into greased and floured 8 inch square or 8 x 11 inch baking pan. Bake a 325 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done. Remove and cool in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares or bars to serve. Makes about 12 servings.