This is from "From Amish and Mennonite Kitchens" cookbook. It is a sturdy cake, easy to eat from the hand.

1/2 cup shortening
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup hot applesauce
1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 2 tablespoons hot water
1 cup raisins
1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

Cream the shortening and sugar together until fluffy. Blend eggs in thoroughly. Sift dry ingredients together. Add alternately with the hot applesauce to the creamed mixture. Beat well after each addition. Add soda dissolved in water and mix well. Flour the raisins and nuts lightly and fold into the mixture. Bake in a greased and floured 5 by 9 by 4 inch loaf pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until firm in the middle when tested with a toothpick.