2 c. white sugar
2 c. hot water
1 c. shortening or 1/2 lb. (2 cubes) butter
1 lb. raisins
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 tsp. salt
3 1/2 c. sifted flour
(a nice combination is 2 c. white flour and 1 1/2 c. whole wheat pastry flour)
2 level tsp. baking soda

Boil first ingredients together in a deep saucepan for 1 minute. Remove from heat and at once add the 2 level teaspoonfuls of baking soda. Stir in carefully to keep from overflowing. When cool add sifted flour. Mix well and pour into greased and floured 9x13" pan or two 9x9" pans. Pans may be lined with waxed paper or aluminum foil if immediately removed after baking. Bake in moderate oven (350 degrees) for 1 hour. May add nuts and/or fruit cake mix. Freezes well. Excellent for lunch boxes, picnics, etc. Usually served unfrosted, but a butter of cream cheese frosting may be used. Serves 20 plus.