This is the first in a series of  posts taking a look at Depression Era culture of the past, and speculating on the Shape of Things to Come. What can we salvage from the past to survive? What are the implications of a complete economic meltdown for popular culture? Whither our post-cash, post-literate, instant-gratification ethos? And since we Americans ultimately fetishize anything and everything, even as the floorboards fall away from beneath the showroom, we will of course look at Depression Chic. Who will be the new Gable and Lombard? And will the New School offer discount courses on Hobo Code?

This installment is dedicated to Stellaa, who looks after our bellies as well as our minds. Listen closely to those political winds...

I found the following on All Recipes, where you will find a few other recipes for Depression Cake, aka Poor Man's Cake. Enjoy. 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a saucepan mix brown sugar, raisins, water and shortening. Bring to a boil and boil 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. When raisin mixture is cool, add to dry ingredients and mix well to combine.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 or 40 minutes. Do not over bake or it will be too dry. Test after 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of cake should come out clean.