1 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1 1/4 c. water
1/3 c. vegetable shortening
2/3 c. raisins
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
2 c. sifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. water

In pan boil together 1 1/4 cups water, brown sugar, shortening, raisins and spices for 3 minutes. Remove from heat; let cool. Add salt and the baking soda which has been dissolved in 2 teaspoons water. Sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add to the moist mixture, beating smooth after each addition. Pour into a greased and floured 11 3/4 x 7 1/2 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 50 minutes.