Poor Man's Cake

01Method

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13-inch baking pan by greasing and dusting it with flour.

2. 2

   Combine the raisins, water, brown sugar, and shortening in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it boil for 3 minutes, then take off the heat and allow to cool completely.

3. 3

   Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, cloves, and salt in a large bowl. Once the raisin mixture has cooled, stir it into the dry ingredients until fully incorporated.

4. 4

   Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Begin checking at the 30-minute mark — the cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.