1 c. raisins (or dates)
1 c. brown sugar
1 c. water
1/2 c. shortening
1/4 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. flour

Cook all ingredients, except flour and soda when cool. Add flour and soda. Makes 15 cupcakes.

FROSTING:

1 c. powdered sugar
1 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. cream
1 tsp. vanilla or almond extract

Mix in bowl with mixer, frost cooled cupcakes.