1 c. raisins
1 c. sugar
1 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. ginger
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sifted flour

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 4"x8" loaf pan. Combine raisins, sugar, water, shortening, salt and spices in a kettle and let boil 5 minutes. Remove from fire and cool. Then stir in the egg. Sift flour and baking soda and add to mixture. Pour into greased pan and bake until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 to 1 1/4 hours. This economical recipe was given to us during World War One by a neighbor who had used it since Civil War days.