2 c. water
2 c. brown sugar
2/3 c. shortening
1 c. raisins
1 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda dissolved in a little hot water
2 tsp. baking powder
4 c. flour
Nuts, if desired

Boil together first 8 ingredients for 3 minutes. Cool and add soda dissolved in water, baking powder and flour. Add nuts, if desired. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Keeps moist for 2 weeks.