1 3/4 c. cake flour
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. butter or Crisco
4 tbsp. buttermilk
3 ripe bananas
3/4 c. chopped nuts (walnuts and/or pecans)
1/2 tsp. vanilla or banana extract
3/4 c. golden raisins
confectioners sugar (for glaze)

In a pyrex measure, cover 3/4 cup raisins with water; add 1/2 tsp. vanilla, 2 tbsp. sugar, 1 tsp. rum and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon. Heat in microwave for 4 minutes or until boiling and let soak for at least 15 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid.

In a mixing bowl, beat bananas until smooth; add sugar. Add eggs, beating well after each addition. Add shortening and beat for 2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, adding flour, nuts and raisins last. Stir by hand just until mixed.

Bake in a preheated 350°F for about 45 minutes or until set in center.

Measure out 1/4 cup confectioners sugar; add a few drops at a time of the reserved water the raisins were soaked in, stirring until mixture is the right consistency for drizzling over cake.

Refrigerate. Spread each slice with whipped cream cheese just before serving.

Submitted by: CM