#1965 - Raisin Cake

(by Martha [Carter] Hoover - friend)

1 1/4 cups raisins
2 cups water
1/2 cup Crisco shortening
1 TBSP baking soda
2 cups white sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. salt
4 cups flour

In a saucepan over medium heat add water--bring to a boil. Once boiling, add raisins--cook/stir for 10 minutes. Remove from heat--strain out the raisins and measure the remaining water. You will need 2 cups of the water (if you have too much, discard the rest. If you don't have enough, add enough water to make 2 cups). In a large bowl add white sugar, salt, baking soda and cinnamon--stir. Add Crisco--mix it with your hands. Add the raisin water (2 cups)--stir with a spoon. Add cooked raisins--stir. Add 1 cup of flour at a time--stir in between. Continue with all flour. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13 cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes--test with a toothpick for doneness. Does not need frosting.