Spice Cakes

Mrs. Watson's Raisin Spice Cake

A 1930's recipe from Lac La Biche, Alberta. Mrs. Watson was a piano teacher who served this cake at piano recitals.

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1-1/2 cups raisins
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 Tbsp molasses
• 1 Tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking soda (dissolved in a little hot water)

1. Put raisins in a pot of 1 cup water, heat to boiling, boil 2 minutes.
2. Set raisins in water aside and let cool.
3. Cream butter and brown sugar.
4. Add eggs, beating well after each addition.
5. Add molasses, sour cream and spices, mixing well.
6. Add the flour a little at a time, alternating with the cooled raisin and water mixture.
7. Spread batter into a greased and floured 8 x 10" pan.
8. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 40 minutes.
9. Cool, then spread the cake with Chocolate Mocha Icing.

Chocolate Mocha Icing

• 2 cups icing sugar
• 1/4 cup Fry's Cocoa powder
• 5 Tbsp (or more) hot coffee
• 5 Tbsp butter

Put all ingredients in a bowl and beat well (use electric mixer.)