1/2 cup vegetable shortening

1 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 cups flour

2 eggs

1/2 cup raisins

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 cup buttermilk

1/2 teaspoon soda, dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

Mix shortening, sugar, salt and flour thoroughly until in crumbs, cutting in shortening as for pastry. Reserve 1/2 cup crumb mixture to use on top of cake, and to the remainder, add 1 egg. Add raisins, cut in small pieces, cinnamon, baking powder, buttermilk and the dissolved soda water.

When well mixed, place in a greased and floured deep square pan 8 x 8 inches. Spread evenly and sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture and extra cinnamon.

Bake in moderate oven at 350 F for 40-45 minutes. Serve warm with coffee. Can be reheated.

Source: “The DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Cookbook,”