1 1/2 c. applesauce
1 tsp. baking soda
1/3 c. shortening or butter
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
3 c. flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. vanilla
1 c. raisins
1 c. nuts

Sift together, flour, spices, and baking powder and set aside. Heat applesauce and add soda and set aside. Cream together, sugar, shortening, and eggs, then add applesauce and sifted ingredients. Add vanilla, raisins, and nuts. Mix together and bake in two 9 inch greased and floured pans at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Ice with caramel icing and put nuts on top.

CARAMEL ICING:

2 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. cream

Partially melt sugar in a heavy skillet and add cream. Cook until melted and forms a soft ball in cold water. Remove from heat and beat until it's the right consistency to spread. The secret is to brown the mixture, but not too much. It is also not necessary to melt all the sugar before adding the cream. You can also use canned milk. Top cake with chopped pecans.