Irish Raisin Cake - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups raisins (or a mix of raisins, currants or sultanas)
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 tablespoons hot water
3 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon clove (ground)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg, beaten (see NOTE)

Preparation

Combine the raisins, sugar and 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil for 10 minutes.
Add the butter and stir until it melts.
Remove from the heat and let cool.
Dissolve the baking soda in 2 tablespoons of hot water in a small bowl. Add to the raisin mixture.
Sift the flour, salt, cinnamon and cloves into a large bowl.
Add the beaten egg, if using (see NOTE).
Add the raisin mixture and vanilla and stir to mix well.
Pour into 1 large or 2 small well-greased loaf pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 60 to 75 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove to a wire rack to cool.
Remove cake(s) from loaf pan after 5 minutes to cool completely.