Ration Book Spice Cake

This recipe is a true WWII ration book special. It has no eggs, butter, milk or white sugar. How could a cake with none of those things even work??? Like a charm!  It has a delightful spicy aroma, rose up beautifully in the pan, and was incredibly moist. Any GI Joe would love to have this on the table when we came home…

2 cups brown sugar

2 cups hot water

2 Tablespoons shortening

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cloves

1 cup raisins

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water

Bring all the ingredients except flour and soda/water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat.

Watch for boil overs! Stir occasionally. After it boils, reduce the heat to keep it at a low boil for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

Add flour and soda/water. Mix well.

Pour into 2 greased and sugared loaf pans.

Bake at 325 for 45-50 minutes, or until pick comes out clean.

Cool on wire rack.

Serve cooled or slightly warm.

Who said you had to use your ration stamps to have a delicious dessert???