2 c. sugar
2 c. water
2 c. raisins
1 c. shortening or vegetable oil
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. salt
3 1/2 c. sifted flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 c. chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

Combine first 7 ingredients in saucepan. Bring to boil and cook until raisins are plump. Let cool to room temperature. (Mixture must be room temperature.) Add remaining ingredients.

Pour into a greased and floured 10 inch tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/4 hours, or until cake springs back.

Note: 1 1/2 cups candied fruit can be added to mixture to make holiday fruit cake.