Grandma'S Applesauce Cake
["3/4 c. raisins", "1 c. hot water", "1/2 c. shortening", "2 c. sugar", "1 egg", "1 1/2 c. applesauce", "2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour", "1/2 c. chopped walnuts", "1/2 tsp. salt", "1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon", "1/2 tsp. ground cloves", "1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg", "2 tsp. baking soda", "1/2 c. boiling water", "confectioners sugar (optional)"]
["Place raisins and hot water in a small bowl; set aside.", "In a large mixing bowl, combine remaining ingredients except last three.", "Dissolve baking soda in boiling water; add to batter.", "Mix well.", "Drain softened raisins and fold into batter.", "Pour into a greased and floured 13 x 9-inch baking pan.", "Bake at 300\u00b0 for 40 minutes.", "If desired, dust top with confectioners sugar.", "Serve warm or cold.", "Store in an airtight container.", "Yields 12 to 16 servings."]
["raisins", "water", "shortening", "sugar", "egg", "applesauce", "flour", "walnuts", "salt", "ground cinnamon", "ground cloves", "ground nutmeg", "baking soda", "boiling water", "confectioners sugar"]