1 c. raisins
2 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
2 3/4 c. flour
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. ginger
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. vanilla

Boil raisins, shortening and 2 cups water together for 10 minutes. Let stand until lukewarm. Then add to dry ingredients. Measure flour, sugar, spices and soda together and sift 3 times. Combine with liquids. Bake at 350 degrees about 35-40 minutes. If you want, you may add nuts. Can be baked in any size pan. 9 inch round seems to work best for me.