1 cup dark brown sugar
1/3 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla or rum
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups raisins
1 cup applesauce
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda

This is an early 1900's recipe handed down over the generations. The spices can be modified for variation and to suit your taste. Water may be used in place of the applesauce. A spoon of molasses can be stirred into the brown sugar (or added to the raisin soaking water) if you don't have dark brown sugar on hand.

This cake is somewhat unique in that no eggs are used and because it uses less butter than is usual.

It was also called "Poor Man's Cake" and "Everyman's Cake" when it was popular during the depression era, due to the economical ingredients used.

Preheat oven to 350F.

Soak the raisins in warm water for 10-15 minutes to plump them (if using molasses, it can be added to this water).

Sift together flour, baking powder and soda onto a piece of wax paper.

Place all remaining ingredients into a medium saucepan. Bring to the boiling point and boil for 3 full minutes. Allow to cool. Transfer flour mixture gradually into pan, stirring in (or use sifter).

Beat for another 3 minutes. Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until cake tests done.

Makes 1 loaf.

Submitted by: CM