Grandma H's Applesauce Cake

Not quite qualifying as a Quick or Easy recipe, this is my grandmother's applesauce cake recipe. Shamefully, I have never made this. I need to get to the store to buy shortening. I don't keep Crisco in the house normally.

1/c cup shortening
1 c sugar
1 egg
2 c flour
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 c raisins or dates
1-1/2 c applesauce (sweetened or unsweetened)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
3/4 c nutmeats (walnuts or whatever kind of nut you want in this)
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt

Boil and drain raisings, set aside.
Mix baking soda and applesauce. Cream shortening and sugar, add whole egg and beat throroughly. Add the applesauce and soda mixture. Add dry ingredients a little at a time. Add raisins that have been boiled, drained, and floured. Last, add vanilla and nuts.

Bake in loaf pan 1 hour or until done in slow oven, 150 degrees.