2 c. raisins
1 1/2 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
2 c. packed brown sugar
3 c. all purpose flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. buttermilk or sour milk
1 tsp. baking soda
3 eggs, beaten

In saucepan cook raisins and water until plump. Drain and set aside raisins, reserving 10 tablespoons of liquid. In mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar. Add flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and salt. Set this aside. Mix milk, soda, eggs and reserved liquid. Add dry ingredients alternately with milk mixture. Mix well. Add raisins. Pour into a greased 13"x9"x2" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool on wire rack.