2 c. raisins
2 c. boiling water
2 c. sugar
1 c. (2 sticks) butter
2 tsp. baking soda
2 tsp. cocoa
1 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. allspice
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda (optional, but makes a lighter cake)

Put first 10 ingredients in a 4-quart pan and boil for 4 minutes. Cool for 2 hours.

Optional: Boil raisins in 1 1/2 cups water; when water cools, add 1/2 cup rum to the cooking water.

After raisins have soaked for 2 hours, stir in the remaining ingredients. Pour into a 9x13-inch greased pan.

Bake in a preheated 350°F for 40-50 minutes. Makes about 20 servings.

Recipe may be halved and baked in a greased 8-inch square pan; bake for 35-40 minutes.