National Applesauce Cake Day (Recipe)

Ingredients

3/4 cup raisins

1 cup hot water

1/2 cup shortening

2 cups sugar

1 large egg

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon each ground cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg

1-1/2 cups applesauce

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Confectioners' sugar, optional

Instructions

1. Place raisins and hot water in a small bowl; set aside. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to creamed mixture alternately with applesauce and water. Drain raisins; fold into batter with the walnuts. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Bake at 300° for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Place the pan on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners' sugar if desired. Serve warm or cold.