Boil for 3 minutes:

2 c. water
2 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. shortening
1 c. raisins (optional: any fruit perfect)
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. salt

Cool until tepid.

Sift in:

3 c. flour, plain or self-rising
1 c. cornmeal
1/2 c. nut meats (optional)
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda