4 cups water
2 cups raisins
1 cup shortening
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground clove
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch cake pan.

Cook raisins and water for 10 minutes over medium heat. Stir in the shortening. Remove from heat and let mixture cool.

Combine flour, salt, baking soda, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, ground allspice and salt. Add flour mixture to the cooled raisin mixture and blend well. Stir in the beaten eggs. Add the chopped nuts (if desired). Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes.