1 c. raisins
2 c. water
1 stick butter
1 c. sugar
1 3/4 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt (or less)
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. each cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Simmer raisins and water together for 10 minutes. Add butter and sugar to the saucepan and cool. Sift dry ingredients together and stir into raisin mixture. Pour into 9 inch square pan; sprinkle on the nuts, if desired, and bake for 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve warm or cold.

This was a family favorite for lunch boxes and after school snacks.