POOR MAN'S CAKE

 An old-fashioned dessert that was especially popular in the 1930s, 
Poor Man’s Cake is sometimes known as Depression Cake. 
Try it with a cream cheese frosting.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 2 cups hot water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
- 1 package (15 ounces) raisins
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 teaspoons hot water
cream cheese frosting (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
In a pan, combine brown sugar, hot water, salt, shortening, raisins, and spices. 
Bring to a boil, then remove from the heat and let cool to room temperature.
In a bowl, combine flour and dissolved baking soda, add to the batter, and mix well. 
Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan. Frost, if desired.

YIELD:
12 to 15 servings
PHOTO CREDIT:
Sam Jones/Quinn Brein
https://www.almanac.com/recipe/poor-mans-cake