3/4 c. raisins
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. shortening
2 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. ground allspice
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Combine raisins and 1 1/2 cups hot water; let stand 15 to 20 minutes. using electric mixer, thoroughly cream together brown sugar and shortening, about 5 minutes. Stir together flour, baking powder, allspice, salt, cloves, cinnamon, and soda. Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with raisin mixture, beating after each addition. Fold in nuts. Pour into greased and floured 9x9x2 inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees until done, 40 to 45 minutes. Serve with warm Cider Sauce or sprinkle with powdered sugar (optional).

CIDER SAUCE:

In saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, dash of ground cloves, and dash of salt. Gradually blend 1 1/3 cups apple cider or apple juice into mixture; cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.