Spice Cupcakes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 c. water
1 c. raisins
1/2 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1-3/4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. EACH allspice, cloves, cinnamon & nutmeg
1/4 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. packed brown sugar
1/3 c. half-and-half
1/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
1 tsp. vanilla
1-1/4 c. powdered sugar
Coarsely chopped walnuts, optional

Preparation

In a saucepan, bring water and raisins to a boil.
Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside (DO NOT DRAIN).
In a mixing bowl, cream shortening and sugar.
Add egg and raisins.
Combine dry ingredients; add to creamed mixture and mix well.
Stir in walnuts.
Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups with 1/3 c. batter each.
Bake at 350\u00b0 for 20-25 minutes or until cupcakes test done.
Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack.
For frosting, combine brown sugar, half-and-half and salt in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium-low heat; cook and stir until smooth.
Stir in butter and vanilla.
Remove from heat; cool slightly.
Stir in powdered sugar until smooth.
Frost cupcakes; top with coarsely chopped walnuts, if desired.
Makes 14 cupcakes.