1 c. water
1 c. sugar
2 tbsp. shortening
1/2 pkg. raisins
1/4 tsp. ginger
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix first 8 ingredients in saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes. Cool a little and add soda with a little water. Sift dry ingredients and add to liquid, mix by hand. Mix well. Cook in oven at 350 degrees. Put wax paper on bottom of pan, it helps to remove cake. If you want a sheet cake just double recipe and bake in roasting pan. Frost with cream cheese frosting.