Palestinian Fasting Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 c. sugar
1 1/4 c. water
2/3 c. shortening
2/3 c. dates or raisins
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
2 tsp. water
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder

Preparation

In saucepan, combine sugar, water, shortening, dates or raisins, nutmeg, cinnamon and ground cloves.
Boil together for 3 minutes.
Let cool.
Dissolve in cup the baking soda and salt in 2 teaspoons water.
Add the salt/soda to the fruit mixture.
Combine and gradually add flour and baking powder.
Pour into a greased 9-inch square pan and bake at 325\u00b0
for 50 minutes.