3 c. water
2 c. sugar
1 box (about 1 lb.) raisins
1 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. allspice
3 1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 heaping tbsp. baking soda

Place all ingredients except flour and baking soda in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cook 5 minutes, then set aside to cool. When cool, stir in the flour and baking soda. (If mixture seems too thick compared to regular cake batter, add a little more water, a teaspoon at a time). Bake in a greased and floured 9 inch loaf pan for 1 hour at 325 degrees, or until cake tests done. If desired, frost with a glaze of confectioners' sugar and lemon juice.

Serves 8.