1 c. sugar
1/2 c. lard (other shortening may be used)
2 eggs
3/4 c. molasses
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 c. sour milk
2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. ginger, optional
1/4 tsp. cloves, optional
1 tsp. cinnamon, optional
Raisins or chopped nuts or both may be added

Cream sugar and shortening; add eggs; beat well. Add molasses. Sift dry ingredients; add alternately with sour milk, to the creamed mixture. Stir in raisins and nuts. If sour milk isn't available, add 2 teaspoons vinegar into a cup, fill remainder with sweet milk; let stand to sour while other ingredients are mixed. It was called poor man's cake because it wasn't frosted. It may be frosted with powder sugar frosting. Recipe was used during World War I. Put into a 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees until done.