eggless, milkless and butterless cake

Ok, when I made this I did cheat and used butter for the shortening, or rather margarine.

Eggless, Milkless and Butterless cake
Mrs. John O. Fife

2 cups brown sugar
2 cups water, hot
2 Tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
dash cloves
1/2 teaspoon allspice
3 cups sifted flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup raisins
1 cup nutmeats, chopped

Boil sugar and water, shortening, salt, rasisins and spices 5 minutes. When col, add flour and soda dissolved in 1 teaspoon hot water. Bake in 9 x 13x 2-inch cake pan, 45 minutes at 325 degrees. Cake can be served plain or with confectioners sugar icing or whipped cream.