Gingerbread cake with raisin sauce

12 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
3cupsAll-purpose flour
2teaspoonsGround ginger
2teaspoonsGround cinnamon
1teaspoonGrond cloves
½teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonBaking powder
¼teaspoonGrated nutmeg
3⅓cupWater
cupDark raisins
cupGranulated sugar
¼cupBrown sugar
3tablespoonsFresh lemon juice
2eachesEggs
¼cupButter (1/2 stick),softened
cupLard, softened
1cupButtermilk
1teaspoonBaking soda, dissolved in 1/4 cup boiling water
½teaspoonGrated nutmeg
pinchSalt
¼cupButter (1/2 stick)
3tablespoonsCornstarch

Directions

RAISIN SAUCE

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9 x 12" cake pan. Sift the flour with the ginger, cinnamon, cloves, salt, baking powder, and nutmeg and set aside. In a small bowl beat the eggs and set aside. In a large mixer bowl, beat the butter and lard together; add the sugar and blend well, about 3 minutes longer. Add the beaten eggs and molasses and blend. Add the flour mixture alternatively with the buttermilk (flour first and last); do not overmix. Blend in the baking soda mixed with the ¼ cup boiling water. Pour the batter into the greased pan and level. Bake for 30 minutes or until the top of the cake springs back when touched lightly with a fingertip.

As the cake is cooling a bit combine 3 cups of water, raisins, lemon juice, sugars, nutmeg and salt in a medium saucepan. Simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add the butter and stir until it melts. In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and remaining ⅓ cup water. Add it to the bubbling sauce and cook until the sauce thickens. Serve gingerbread cake squares warm with the hot raisin sauce over the top.

Mary Riemerman

Submitted By MARY RIEMERMAN On 02-10-95