CHEF JEFF -- ONE BYTE AT A TIME: Poorman's Cake

This very easy recipe, which originated in a Lutheran Brotherhood Insurance Co. publication, is wholesome and tasty, with or without a cream frosting.

Poorman's Cake

2 cups sugar

1 cup shortening

2 cups water

2 cups raisins

2 teaspoons cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

3 cups flour

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 4 ingredients in a saucepan and bring almost to a boil. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until raisins are soft. Put aside until cool. Mix flour and spices and combine them with the thoroughly cooled raisin mixture. Pour into a greased and floured 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until cake springs back at the touch.

Yield: Serves 12 to 16.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.