1 c. oil
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. baking soda
1 c. raisins, cooked
1 tsp. salt
4 c. flour
1 tsp. cloves
2 c. raisin water, cooled
chopped nuts (optional)

Boil raisins in 2 cups water for 5 minutes. Cool and drain, reserving the raisin water. Sift all dry ingredients; add sugar, oil and raisin water. Mix well. Add raisins and mix well. Add nuts, if using them, and mix well.

Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.