2 1/2 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. shortening
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1 3/4 c. applesauce
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
3 eggs
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice

Optional:

1 c. chopped seedless raisins
1 c. finely chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 13 X 9-inch baking pan. Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices in a large bowl. Add shortening and applesauce; beat 1 minute at low speed, just to combine. At medium speed, beat 2 minutes. Add eggs; beat 2 minutes. Fold raisins and walnuts into batter. Pour batter into pan.

Bake 45 minutes or until cake tests done. Let cool completely in pan on wire rack. Frost or sprinkle with powdered sugar.