2 c. sugar
2 c. strong coffee, water, or apple juice
1/2 c. shortening
2 c. raisins or pitted prunes
1 med. apple, peeled and shredded
2 c. all-purpose flour, unsifted
1 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 c. nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In medium saucepan, simmer sugar, coffee, shortening, raisins, and apple together for 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Cool 10 minutes.

In large bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and nuts. Pour cooled sugar-raisin mixture into dry ingredients. Mix well. Pour batter into greased 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake 25-30 minutes.

Moist cake. Needs no frosting. Keeps well. 12 servings.