Applesauce cake

MAKES 16 SERVINGS

2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup vegetable shortening
1-1/2 cups applesauce
2 eggs
1 cup raisins
3/4 cup coarsely chopped nuts

In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg and allspice. Add shortening and applesauce and beat on low speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Add eggs and continue mixing until combined. Stir in raisins and nuts.

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for one hour or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pan on wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove from pan and cool cake completely.

Nutrition facts per serving: 253 calories, 10 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 26 mg cholesterol, 37 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein, 274 mg sodium, 1 g fiber

Ellen Whiteside, Rolling Meadows