2 c. hot water
1 pkg. raisins (1 lb.)
2 c. brown sugar
1 tbsp. lard
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
3 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda

Boil the first 7 ingredients for 5 minutes. Cool, then add flour and soda. Put batter in 2 greased loaf pans and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Also known as "War Cake", this recipe was popular during World War II when white sugar and shortenings were rationed. If you had influence with the grocer, he would call when the butter shipment arrived. Then you would hurry to the store and buy a whole quarter pound.