Palestinian Fasting Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups water
2/3 cup shortening
2/3 cup dates or 2/3 cup raisins
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons water
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon 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 the baking soda and salt in a cup 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.