Depression Cake

I found this great recipe in the August 2009 issue of Guideposts. The writer's mother was a widow with eight young children. She would make this cake for special occasions. It has no eggs, milk or butter, which makes it easy on the budget. It would also be great for someone with egg or dairy allergies. It's very dense, so only a small piece will fill you up.

Depression Cake

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Combine the following in a saucepan and boil 3 minutes, stirring frequently:
1 cup brown sugar
1 1/3 cups water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 cups raisins
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes.

Dissolve 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt in 2 tsp water.

Add to raisin mix (it will foam).

Blend in, mixing well:
2 cups flour
1 tsp baking power

Pour into 8 inch round pan and bake for 50 minutes.

Serve with whipped topping.