1 c. water
1 c. sugar
1 c. raisins
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 c. shortening (I use liquid) (the old recipe called for lard)
2 c. flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
Powdered sugar

Notice no eggs or milk.

Bring the first 7 ingredients to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes; let cool to touch. Add flour, salt and soda. Bake in 350 degree oven - cake for 30 minutes; cupcakes for 25 minutes; cookies about 12-15 minutes. These ingredients will make one 8 inch square or round or loaf cake, 1 1/2 dozen cupcakes or 36 drops cookies (depending on size). Dust with powdered sugar. The small of the ingredients boiling will fill the house.