2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 c. shortening
1 1/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 c. molasses
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 3/4 c. applesauce (I use 2 c. apples.)
1/2 c. nuts
1/2 c. raisins

FROSTING:

1/3 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. milk
1/3 c. butter
3 to 4 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla, or to taste
Raisins and/or nuts, optional

Mix all cake ingredients together and bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes.

Prepare frosting by mixing brown sugar, butter and milk together. Cook 1 minute. Mix in remaining ingredients and spread over cake.