1 lb. box dark brown sugar
1 c. shortening of your choice
2 c. buttermilk or sour milk
4 c. all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp. baking soda
7 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 c. raisins

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well with a large spoon. Pour into cake pans or bundt pan which has been well greased. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour or until cake tester comes out clean. Let cool for about 10 minutes. Remove from pan, cover with cloth and let cool. Dust with powdered sugar or frost with icing of choice.