Alaskan Gold Rush Cake

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups coffee
2 cups raisins
1 cup (2 sticks) margarine
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cloves
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 eggs, beaten
3 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon butter
1/3 cup milk
3 tablespoons shortening
1/4 teaspoon salt
Nuts (optional)
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Boil sugar, coffee, raisins, margarine, salt, cloves and cinnamon together until the margarine melts. Set aside to cool overnight.

The next day, add eggs, flour, baking soda and vanilla extract. Bake in a large greased and floured 13 x 9-inch pan for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees F.

When the cake is cool, combine the brown sugar, butter, milk, shortening, salt and nuts, if desired. Boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the confectioners' sugar.