Preheat oven to 350°; grease 9x13x2 inch pan
2 tsp Baking Soda
4 T Hot Water
1C Butter, softened
2C Sugar
2 Eggs
2C Applesauce
2C Raisins
2C Nuts
1 tsp Vanilla
4C Flour
2 tsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Allspice
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Nutmeg
1) Dissolve soda in hot water and set aside
2) Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, add eggs and beat well.
3) Stir in applesauce, raisins and nuts; stir in vanilla.
4) Sift flour and spices together and add to first mixture in several portions, beating well after each addition. Before the last of the flour is added, stir in water/soda mixture, then add the remaining flour.
5) Pour (very thick) into prepared pan and bake 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Makes a spicy, dense cake. Freezes well. Can sprinkle powdered sugar over top, if desired.
