Poor Man's Cake

By Addie

“Grandpa's mom made this cake a lot during the war when dairy products were being rationed.”

Ingredients

• 1 1/3 cups golden raisins
• 1 1/4 cups water
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup whipped cream, optional

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the raisins and 11/4 cups water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in the cold water. Let stand until lukewarm, about 1 hour.
2

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 12 × 71/2-inch baking pan.


Combine granulated sugar, shortening and baking soda in a medium bowl and mix well.


Combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and cloves in a large bowl and mix well. Add sugar mixture and mix until crumbly.


Add raisin mixture to flour mixture and mix just until blended. Spoon into prepared baking pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, about 45 to 50 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack; cool completely. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

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Grandma's Secret Trick:

Grandma said that this substantial cake stays fresh and moist for days because of the moisture in the raisins. It also freezes well. If any was left on the third or fourth day, Grandma usually wrapped it in plastic wrap and froze it to be enjoyed another day. Warmed up and spread with honey butter, the cake made a good breakfast.