Poor Man's Cake

By Hklbrries

From cookbook article about (someone named) Schenone in January 25, 2004 edition of the Spokesman-Review. Recalled by Blanche Eddy in "Making Do: How Women Survived the 30's" (1976).

Schenone's note: In its humbleness and simplicity, this raisin spice cake somehow tastes like the Depression and is surprisingly good even though it has no butter, eggs or milk. It's also easy and quick to make. Use a bundt pan and a 350 F oven. Instead of lard, you can use shortening. Canola oil works too, if you don't mind a slightly dense cake. Unless you're a die-hard raisin lover, 1 to 1 1/2 cups should do.

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar (white or brown)
• 2 cups raisins
• 1 tsp cloves
• 1/2 cup lard
• 2 cups water
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Preparation

Step 1

Boil all ingredients 3 minutes. Cool. Add 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp soda, 3 cups flour. Mix and bake in medium oven (350 F) about 45 minutes.