- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Combine the sugar, water, shortening, raisins, spices, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and stir while cooking for 3 minutes. Cool.
- Measure flour, soda, and baking powder, and sift together.
- Gradually stir dry ingredients into raisin mixture. Beat well. If an almond cake is desired, stir in almond extract and almonds. Pour batter into a greased 8 x 4 inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for about 1 hour.