Estimated Time:
15-20 min. to mix, hour of cooling some ingredients; hour of baking; additional cooling time after that

Materials:
2 c. raisins

1 c. sugar

3/4 c. brown sugar

1 c. water

1/2 c. canola oil

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ginger

1/2 tsp. allspice
------------------------------

3 1/2 c. flour

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 c. chopped nuts (*optional!!)

Instructions:
Combine first group of ingredients in a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes; allow to cool completely.

Then, in a mixing bowl, combine the second group of ingredients.

Blend saucepan ingredients with dry ingredients until smooth. Pour into a greased and floured pan and bake at 350 degrees F.
(9" x 13" pan, tube pan, or 'Bundt' pan, bake approx. an hour; smaller pans need less time. Cake is done when a toothpick or knife inserted in center comes out "clean" and when cake pulls away from the edge of the pan.

Other comments or suggestions:
This is a cake that was popular during World War II, because of "rationing" of scarce commodities. It's an example of thrift and ingenuity, and perfect for leading up to chats with youth about how blessed we are today, and how it was to live in those times. All the better if you can share some cake, coffee, and Conversation with someone who was Really There!!

Even with our modern abundance in suburban supermarkets (almost an embarrassment of riches) this simple cake has a homey appeal. Just your basic dark spice cake, with raisins, etc.


*Some folks allergic to eggs, milk, or butter/dairy products may also find the cake appealing. Definitely skip the nuts, if you have doubts about allergies of family/friends.