With its nuts, dates, and raisins... Mimi's molasses cake is my favorite by far!

My little guilty pleasure is this cake loaded with nuts, dates, and raisins.

Ingredients

1/3 cup shortening 
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice
½ cup molasses
1½ cups flour
¾ teaspoon salt
1¼ teaspoons baking powder
1 unbeaten egg
2/3 cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar
½ cup dates 
½ cup raisins
½ cup nuts

For the sauce:

¼ cup butter
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup evaporated milk
1 tablespoon molasses

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f and butter an 8-inch square pan.

In a bowl, mix the shortening, sugar, baking soda, and spices.

Add the molasses and ¼ cup of the flour, salt, baking powder.

Add the egg, then alternately add the milk and remaining flour.

Stir in the nuts, dates, and raisins.

Pour into the pan and bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes.

In a saucepan, combine all the sauce ingredients. 

Let simmer for about 10 minutes.

Pour over the hot cake.

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