Raisin Cake

1 cup raisins
2 1/2 cups water
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts

Cook raisins in water for 20 minutes. Drain off liquid, reserving 1 cup. To the warm liquid add oil and baking soda. Stir to dissolve.

Sift dry ingredients together; add oil mixture, nuts and cooked raisins and blend well. Bake in greased and floured 8-inch square cake pan at 375 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes. Use cake tester to check for doneness. Remove cake from pan when slightly cool. Cool completely and frost cake with Chocolate Butter Icing or Penuche Icing.