1/2 c. shortening
1 c. brown sugar
1 egg
2 c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 (scant) tsp. cloves
1 tsp. baking soda
1 c. sour milk
1 c. raisins
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg and mix well. Mix flour and spices. Mix soda into sour milk and stir until it sounds hollow. (It will foam up. Hold cup over bowl!) Pour into sugar mixture. Add flour and spice mixture. Then add raisins and nuts. Bake in greased muffin tins for 15-18 minutes at 350 degrees.

Editor's note: Take your choice. Unfrosted, these are muffins, but add a caramel frosting and they become cupcakes.