• Heat oven to 350
• Boil the raisins in the water until the water begins to discolor and the raisins get soft, about 1-3 minutes.
  1 Cup Raisins, 1 1/2 Cups Water
• Scoop 3/4 Cup of the raisin water into a measuring cup and set aside the raisins in another bowl.
• Discard remaining water in the pan.
• Dissolve the baking soda in the 3/4 cup of water.
  1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• Mix the shortening and sugar and then add the egg.
  1/2 Cup Shortening, 1 Cup Sugar, 1 Egg
• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the soda water in a standing mixer. DO NOT OVERMIX.
  2 Cups Flour, 1/2 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
• Add the vanilla and raisins and pour into a greased 9x13" cake pan.
  1 teaspoon Vanilla
• Bake for 20-25 min or until springy.
• Remove the cake from the oven and let cool.

For the Frosting

• Beat the butter until smooth and add the vanilla, powdered sugar and milk as needed.
  1/3 Cup Butter, 1 teaspoon Vanilla, 2 1/2-3 Cups Powdered Sugar, 1-2 Tablespoons Milk
• Spread onto slightly warm or completely cool cake.