The holidays wouldn't be the same without this cake. I think my kids looked forward to the spice gum drops. Here it is.
Poor Man's Cake (no eggs or milk - out of depression era)
1 pkg of raisins
2 cups of boiling water
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup of shortening (I now use butter)
4 tablespoons of cocoa
4 1/2 cups of flour
2 teaspoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of baking powder
2 teaspoons of each of the following: nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 cup of nuts (optional)
1 cup of gumdrops (optional)
I most often put in 2 loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour,
I have also used muffin tins and that worked nicely too.
My daughter came in as I was typing this and said "Poor Man's Cake, I want some." It really is a tradition for us in December. I hope you enjoy. We should have a recipe swap for this time of year. Biscotti is also a tradition for us in December.
Nancy (aka Murphy 1)
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Originally Posted by morforles
Originally Posted by Murphy1
My sister always mentions our mom's carrot cake. Such fond memories and traditions are born out of memories of childhood traditions. My mom always made a Poor Man's Cake at Christmas time. It was called that because no milk or eggs were used. But it did have gumdrops, so that is why it was part of the Christmas tradition. I continue to make this cake at this time of year and now send one to my son as part of the holiday season. Linda I read one of your stories earlier and so enjoy reading your entries. Continue to share with us.
Another wonderful story! Would you share your Mother's recipe with us, please?